According to ‘World Air Quality Report 2023’ (“Report”) by IQAir, which tracks air quality worldwide, India was ranked as the third most polluted country in the world after Bangladesh and Pakistan. Delhi was the most polluted capital city in the world in 2023.
The Report further stated that in 2023 almost all 100 cities in the world with the worst air pollution were in Asia. Infact, 83 of the 100 cities were in India and they all exceeded the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines by more than 10 times.
Other Key Findings of the Report:
- The top 5 most polluted countries in the world in 2023 are Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso.
- Of the top ten most polluted cities in the world, 9 belong to India.
- Only 10 countries and territories had “healthy” air quality: Finland, Estonia, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and French Polynesia.