When we talk about economic development in a country, we cannot avoid discussing pollution as a consequence of that development. Developing countries do not have the same level of environmental awareness as developed countries. This results in skyrocketing pollution levels. Thousands of people worldwide experience health problems due to various types of pollution. Therefore, this article focuses on the most polluted countries in the world.
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Global pollution problem
Even though environmental protection measures are becoming more stringent and widespread globally, developing countries do not have the same ecological awareness. Their main priority is economic growth, which makes it difficult for them to balance economic development with adequate care for the environment. As a result, pollution levels in these countries are reaching alarming levels.
One of the most serious forms of pollution is air pollution , which is responsible for millions of deaths each year. According to recent studies, it is estimated that more than 7 million people will die annually due to high levels of air pollution.
In fact, 18 of the 20 most polluted countries in the world are developing countries. Below, we will look at some of the most polluted countries and the specific problems they face.
Most polluted countries in the world
Bangladesh
Bangladesh tops the list of the world's most polluted countries. Air quality in this country has reached extremely low levels compared to the maximum permissible limits. An average of 97.10 PM2.5 particles per cubic meter has been reported, one of the highest levels globally.
This high concentration of particulate matter is largely attributed to the country's industrial growth, particularly in the textile sector. With over 166 million inhabitants, the demand for products generates a high amount of greenhouse gas emissions . Furthermore, lax factory controls exacerbate the problem, complicating the implementation of effective environmental policies.
The negative health effects are devastating, with a large number of people suffering from severe respiratory problems, contributing to a high mortality rate. Although the country is making progress economically, it is crucial that policies are implemented to enable more sustainable growth.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia faces a serious environmental problem due to its dependence on the oil industry. Oil is the main driver of its economy, but it is also one of the main sources of pollution due to fossil fuel emissions.
Urban areas, crops and water sources are affected by air and soil pollution, making the country's environmental situation increasingly critical. In addition, the country suffers from sandstorms that further aggravate air quality in major cities.
India
India is also ranked among the most polluted countries due to its rapid industrial growth. Air quality in many Indian cities has reached dangerously low levels, with excess emissions of polluting gases exceeding permitted levels by 60 times.
Furthermore, the excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture and the increase in combustion engine vehicles have polluted both the land and the air. Mortality rates from respiratory diseases are alarming, with more than 900,000 lives lost due to pollution.
The IQAir report highlights that 22 of the 30 most polluted cities on the planet are in India , with New Delhi topping the list. Despite recent efforts, much remains to be done to mitigate this crisis.
China
China is one of the world's leading emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2), and although it has implemented some pollution reduction policies, the situation remains critical. Many cities in China have a thick layer of air pollution that sometimes obscures the sun.
Air pollution in China is responsible for thousands of deaths related to respiratory illnesses. During the Beijing Olympics, more than 2,589 deaths were attributed to high levels of pollution.
Egypt
Egypt is another country where industrialization has significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions . Pollution in major cities, such as Cairo, is alarming, with levels 20 times higher than those permitted by the WHO.
Waste burning and transportation are the main sources of pollution, which has generated large-scale public health and environmental problems.
Brazil
Brazil faces a particular problem with the massive deforestation of the Amazon. Considered one of the planet's main lungs, the destruction of the rainforest is contributing to an increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Added to this is increasing urbanisation and industrialisation, which has led to an increase in emissions of polluting gases. Measures to protect the environment are still insufficient.
Developing countries face serious environmental challenges that need to be addressed through stricter policies and a balance between economic growth and sustainability. The world's major economies must also step up their efforts to reduce their emissions and lead by example in the fight against pollution.