Middle East Air Quality Spotlight: Jerusalem among top 10 most polluted cities in the world – IQAir

Air Quality and Sustainable Development Report: Jerusalem

Air Quality Status: August 11, 2025

On August 11, 2025, the city of Jerusalem registered “Very Unhealthy” air quality, posing a significant environmental and public health challenge. This condition represents a direct impediment to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Air Quality Index (AQI): Levels were recorded at “Very Unhealthy,” indicating severe pollution.
• Dominant Pollutants: The primary pollutants of concern were Particulate Matter PM2.5 and PM10.
• Ranking: On this date, Jerusalem was ranked as the most polluted major city globally.

Health Implications and Impact on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The critically high levels of particulate matter present immediate and long-term health risks, undermining the objectives of SDG 3. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to severe health complications.

• Immediate Risks: Acute respiratory distress, aggravation of pre-existing heart conditions, and reduced lung function.
• Long-Term Risks: Increased probability of strokes, heart attacks, and the development of chronic illnesses.
• Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are at heightened risk.

The current air quality alert highlights a public health crisis that directly conflicts with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

Causative Factors and Challenges to SDG 7, SDG 11, and SDG 13

The poor air quality in Jerusalem stems from a combination of natural and anthropogenic sources. These factors challenge the city’s progress towards SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• Natural Phenomena: Transboundary desert dust originating from nearby regions and North Africa is a significant contributor.
• Urban and Industrial Emissions: Vehicular emissions, particularly from diesel traffic and buses, along with industrial activities, release harmful pollutants.
• Energy Production: The combustion of fossil fuels in power plants is a key source of pollution, highlighting the urgent need to transition towards cleaner energy sources as mandated by SDG 7.
• Climatic Conditions: The situation is exacerbated by extreme heat and arid conditions, which are linked to broader climate patterns and hinder the natural dispersal of pollutants, a concern central to SDG 13.

This confluence of factors undermines the creation of an inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environment as envisioned in SDG 11.

Official Advisories and Recommended Protective Measures

In response to the hazardous air quality, health authorities have issued public alerts. While no city-wide evacuation orders are in place, citizens are strongly advised to take protective measures to mitigate exposure and safeguard their health, in line with the immediate wellness targets of SDG 3.

1. Limit Outdoor Exposure: Residents, especially sensitive individuals, are advised to remain indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
2. Secure Indoor Environments: Homes and buildings should be sealed to prevent the infiltration of polluted outdoor air.
3. Use Air Purification: Employing high-efficiency indoor air purifiers is recommended to reduce indoor pollutant concentrations.
4. Wear Protective Masks: If outdoor travel is necessary, the use of appropriate respiratory masks is advised to filter harmful particulates.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article directly connects the “very unhealthy” air quality in Jerusalem to significant health problems. It states that the pollution poses “immediate risks like respiratory distress, aggravated heart conditions, and reduced lung function” and increases the chances of “strokes, heart attacks, and chronic illnesses.” This establishes a clear link to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article’s entire focus is on the environmental conditions within a specific urban area, Jerusalem. It discusses the city’s air quality, the sources of pollution such as “vehicular emissions from diesel traffic and buses” and “urban growth,” and the impact on its inhabitants. This directly relates to the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article identifies “fossil fuel combustion in power plants” as one of the key causes of poor air quality. This highlights the negative environmental and health consequences of current energy production methods, connecting the issue to the need for a transition to cleaner energy sources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The article explicitly details the illnesses resulting from air pollution, such as “respiratory distress,” “aggravated heart conditions,” “strokes, heart attacks, and chronic illnesses.” The air quality alert itself is a response to contamination that causes these health issues, making this target directly relevant.
2. 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.
   • The article centers on the poor air quality in Jerusalem, a key metric of a city’s environmental impact. By reporting that the “current AQI levels are far above normal” and identifying urban-specific causes like traffic and industrial activities, the article directly addresses the challenge outlined in this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).
   • The article explicitly mentions that the unhealthy air quality is dominated by “PM2.5 at and PM10.” It also refers to “critically high particulate matter levels penetrating lungs and bloodstream.” These specific pollutants are the exact measures used for this indicator to track air quality in cities.
2. Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
   • While the article does not provide mortality statistics, it strongly implies this indicator by linking air pollution to life-threatening conditions like “strokes, heart attacks, and chronic illnesses.” The mention of these severe health outcomes serves as a qualitative proxy for the morbidity and mortality rates this indicator aims to measure.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: iqair.com