Posted on 26 March 2024
New Zealand Ranks Among Only Seven Nations to Meet WHO Air Quality Standards
The 6th Annual World Air Quality Report, released by IQAir, sheds light on the alarming state of air pollution across the globe in 2023. This comprehensive study analyzed data from over 30,000 air quality monitoring stations spanning 7,812 locations in 134 countries, territories, and regions.
Here are some key findings from the report:
Positive Progress: Seven countries managed to meet the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline, which recommends an annual average of 5 µg/m³ or less. These countries include Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
Disturbing Trends: Unfortunately, the report also highlights the most polluted regions. Bangladesh, with a staggering PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 µg/m³, topped the list, followed by Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso. Shockingly, 92.5% of the countries and regions analyzed exceeded the WHO guideline value.
The report highlights the urgent need for global action to combat air pollution. While strides have been made, gaps in air quality monitoring persist, particularly in Africa. Low-cost air quality monitors, championed by citizen scientists and local organizations, play a crucial role in bridging these gaps and improving air quality worldwide. As Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir, aptly puts it, “A clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a universal human right. Where air quality is reported, action is taken, and air quality improves”.
Source: IQAir