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Improving Air Quality: A Global Perspective
Current Landscape of Air Quality Improvement
As environmental concerns grow globally, nations in Central and Southeast Asia, along with Eastern and Southern Europe, are increasingly taking significant steps to enhance air quality. A recent report from IQAir, covering 93 countries and territories, sheds light on the remarkable progress made in reducing air pollution since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report particularly tracks changes in average annual air pollution levels measured by particulate matter (PM2.5), which are harmful tiny particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.
Top Performers in Air Quality Improvement
Mongolia: Leading the Charge
Mongolia stands out as the most improved country in air quality, demonstrating an impressive reduction of over 30 micrograms per cubic meter in PM2.5 pollution levels between 2019 and 2024. The country’s reliance on coal-burning stoves for heating, especially in urban areas during winter, continues to pose challenges. However, initiatives aimed at assisting lower-income families in transitioning to electric heating have played a pivotal role in this dramatic improvement. Notably, Mongolia has successfully achieved three out of four World Health Organization (WHO) interim goals, reflecting its commitment to long-term air quality objectives.
Indonesia: Incremental Progress
Indonesia, historically known for its air pollution issues—particularly in its capital, Jakarta—has also made noteworthy gains. Jakarta’s pollution rank fell from the seventh most polluted capital in 2023 to tenth in 2024. This advancement is attributed to improvements in cooking fuels and more stringent pollution controls for both transportation and industry. Despite this positive trend, Indonesia remains just short of meeting the WHO interim goal 1 but continues to work towards better air standards.
Bahrain: A Regional Success Story
Bahrain exemplifies the progress made by several Gulf countries, moving away from an over-dependence on fossil fuels. The nation achieved WHO interim goal 1 for the first time in 2024, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to combat air pollution. This shift is reflective of broader regional trends as Gulf states redefine their energy strategies in light of environmental sustainability.
China: A Steady Path Towards Improvement
China has been making strides in improving its air quality since meeting WHO interim goal 1 back in 2020. By 2024, it was recognized as the 11th most improved country in terms of reduced pollution levels. The nation’s ongoing policies and regulations, targeting industrial emissions and vehicular pollution, have contributed greatly to this advancement. While challenges remain due to the sheer scale of the country’s industrial activities, the trajectory is encouraging.
The European Context: Progress Amidst Challenges
Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Greece: European Contenders
In the European context, countries like Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Greece have also been recognized among the top ten most improved nations in air quality. Each of these countries has successfully achieved interim goal 3, indicative of a serious commitment to cleaner air. However, the ongoing challenges posed by household emissions—such as the burning of wood and coal for heating—remain critical, especially since this issue peaked in 2022. Energy cost surges following geopolitical tensions, such as the invasion of Ukraine, exacerbated reliance on these polluting methods.
Addressing the Roots of Air Pollution
The improvements seen across various countries highlight both achievements and the continuous challenges that persist. A common thread among these nations is the need for a multifaceted approach that includes transitioning to cleaner energy sources, implementing stricter pollution regulations, and fostering public awareness about pollution’s effects. As air quality continues to capture global attention, the focus must remain on sustaining and accelerating these improvements through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
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