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Global Air Quality Report: Only Seven Countries Met WHO Standards in 2024
Most Polluted Countries
Chad and Bangladesh ranked as the world’s most polluted countries in 2024, with average air pollution levels exceeding WHO guidelines by more than 15 times. Data from Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir identified these nations as having some of the highest concentrations of harmful airborne particles.
Countries Meeting WHO Standards
Only seven countries successfully met WHO air quality standards:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Grenada
- Estonia
- Iceland
Data Gaps and Monitoring Challenges
Significant gaps in data collection, particularly in Asia and Africa, obscure the full global picture of air pollution. Many developing nations have relied on air quality sensors installed at U.S. embassies and consulates for real-time monitoring.
However, the United States has recently shut down this program due to budget constraints, removing over 17 years of data from official air quality monitoring platforms. The closure is expected to have a major impact, particularly in Africa, where U.S. sensors were often the only publicly available source of real-time pollution data.
Air Pollution in Chad and Other Countries
Chad was excluded from IQAir’s 2023 rankings due to data limitations but was previously identified as the most polluted country in 2022. Factors contributing to Chad’s poor air quality include Sahara dust storms and widespread crop burning. In 2024, its average concentration of PM2.5 particles was recorded at 91.8 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding 2022 levels.
Other highly polluted countries included:
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- India
India’s Pollution Levels
India ranked fifth in the global pollution index, with PM2.5 concentrations averaging 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter—a 7% reduction from the previous year. However, the country remains home to 12 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities. Byrnihat, an industrial area in northeastern India, recorded the highest PM2.5 levels at 128 micrograms per cubic meter.
The Role of Climate Change
Climate change is worsening global air pollution levels, with higher temperatures leading to more frequent and intense wildfires. These fires have significantly impacted air quality across South East Asia and South America.
Consequences of U.S. Monitoring Shutdown
The closure of the U.S. air quality monitoring program affects at least 34 countries that previously relied on its data. Experts note that the program not only provided critical environmental insights but also contributed to improved air quality in monitored cities. The removal of these sensors could lead to reduced oversight and weakened pollution control measures in many affected regions.
“Global Air Quality Report: Only Seven Countries Met WHO Standards in 2024” “Global Air Quality Report: Only Seven Countries Met WHO Standards in 2024” “Global Air Quality Report: Only Seven Countries Met WHO Standards in 2024”