Seven countries – Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia, and Iceland – met World Health Organization air quality standards last year, while Chad and Bangladesh were found to be the world’s most polluted countries. The US programme that provided crucial data on air quality has been shut down due to budget constraints, leaving many developing countries without reliable information.
According to Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir, only 17% of global cities meet WHO guidelines for PM2.5 levels, which are considered hazardous airborne particles. Climate change is exacerbating pollution, with rising temperatures causing more frequent and intense forest fires.
The US programme provided data on smog levels in over 100 cities, including Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, its closure will significantly impact Africa’s ability to track air quality, as these countries relied heavily on the US sensors mounted on embassy buildings.
Experts warn that this loss of data will be felt worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Christi Chester-Schroeder, IQAir’s air quality science manager, notes that “most countries have a few other data sources, but it’s going to impact Africa significantly.” The closure has also affected the ability of researchers to accurately assess air pollution and develop effective strategies to combat smog.
India ranked fifth in terms of smog levels, with its average PM2.5 level falling 7% from last year. However, it accounted for 12 of the top 20 most polluted cities, highlighting the need for more robust monitoring systems.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/only-seven-countries-met-who-air-quality-standards-2024-data-shows-2025-03-11