Context: 

World Air Quality Report, 2023 was released recently.

Background:

The World Air Quality Report 2023 sheds light on the critical issue of air pollution across the globe. Air quality data is crucial for decisive action and improving air quality. Where data is reported, action is taken, and air quality improves.

About WORLD AIR QUALITY REPORT, 2023:

1. The annual World Air Quality Report by IQAir reviews the status of air quality around the world.
2. The report presents PM2.5 air quality data from thousands of cities across numerous countries, regions, and territories.
3. The data used in this report is aggregated from over 30,000 regulatory air quality monitoring stations and low-cost air quality sensors.

Key findings from the 2023 World Air Quality Report include:

1. Seven countries met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline (annual average of 5 µg/m³ or less): Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
2. The top five most polluted countries in 2023 were: Bangladesh (79.9 µg/m³), Pakistan (73.7 µg/m³), India (54.4 µg/m³), Tajikistan (49.0 µg/m³), and Burkina Faso (46.6 µg/m³).
3. A total of 124 (92.5%) out of 134 countries and regions exceeded the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 µg/m³.
4. The region of Central & South Asia was home to the top ten most polluted cities globally.
5. India had the four most polluted cities in the world, with Begusarai being the most polluted metropolitan area of 2023.
6. The report emphasizes that air pollution continues to be the world’s largest environmental health threat, accounting for over six million deaths each year.
7. Exposure to air pollution causes and aggravates several health conditions, including asthma, cancer, lung illnesses, heart disease, and premature mortality.