Bangladesh: The Most Polluted Country in the World in 2023
In 2023, Bangladesh was identified as the most polluted country in the world, with air pollutant levels exceeding the safe annual limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) by more than 15 times.
Overview
A new report has revealed that only seven countries, accounting for less than 4% of the world’s nations, had air quality levels at or below the healthy annual average recommended by the WHO in 2023. These countries include Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand. The report, published by Swiss air quality organization IQAir, highlights that most countries exceeded the recommended annual level, with several regions experiencing highly dangerous pollution levels.
Highly Polluted Countries
Among the most polluted countries in 2023 were Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso. Bangladesh, historically known for its high pollution levels, ranked as the worst country, with PM2.5 levels more than 15 times higher than WHO standards. Pakistan and India followed closely with pollutant levels exceeding 14 times and 10 times the recommended limits, respectively.
The Impact of Air Pollution
The WHO issued new guidelines on air pollution in September 2021, setting more stringent limits for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Studies have shown that PM2.5 is more harmful than previously thought and is associated with premature mortality, heart and lung diseases, bronchitis, asthma attacks, and other respiratory symptoms. The safe limit for 24-hour PM2.5 exposure was set at 15 μg/m3, while the annual threshold was set at 5 μg/m3.
Global Air Pollution Crisis
Although some regions, such as China, have made progress in improving air quality, the overall conclusions of the report are alarming. The CEO of IQAir, Glory Dolphin Hammes, stated that “unfortunately things have gone backwards” and emphasized the urgent need for action to address air pollution. Previous data from the WHO has shown that air pollution levels exceed safe values in almost every part of the world, with more than 90% of the global population living in areas with low air quality. PM2.5 pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million deaths worldwide each year and reduces the average life expectancy by 2.3 years.
Challenges in Developing Countries
The report highlights that the worst air quality is found in developing countries in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. These regions have high levels of air pollution due to factors such as reliance on fossil fuels, prevalence of coal power plants, indoor air pollution from solid fuels, and lack of resources and technologies to combat pollution. Developing countries also tend to have weaker laws and policies regarding vehicle emissions compared to developed nations.
Impact on Life Expectancy
A study conducted by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) found that people living in South Asian nations, including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, are expected to lose an average of five years of their lives due to air pollution. The study also revealed that death rates from outdoor air pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are approximately 100 times higher than in Europe and North America.
Link to Climate Change
There is a clear link between climate change and air pollution. Wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming, are one of the main sources of air pollutants. The report emphasizes the need to address both climate change and air pollution to protect human health and the environment.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Air pollutant levels (PM2.5) compared to safe annual levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air quality levels in cities.
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Reduction in air pollution levels and improvement in air quality.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air pollutant levels (PM2.5) compared to safe annual levels recommended by the WHO. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air quality levels in cities. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Reduction in air pollution levels and improvement in air quality. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: earth.org
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