Simran Joshi
Air pollution has reached critical levels globally, with several cities battling hazardous air quality. Among the most affected are Lahore, Pakistan, and Delhi, India, which have recorded alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels of 232 and 204, respectively, categorising them as “very unhealthy.”
This escalating crisis poses severe health risks, highlighting the urgent need for robust measures to combat pollution and safeguard public health.
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Lahore, Pakistan: The World’s Most Polluted City
At an AQI of 232, Lahore would certainly have “very unhealthy” air quality. A mix of emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and dust from construction has led to this alarming figure. Smog blankets the city during winter months, resulting in respiratory problems and visibility loss. However, things have yet to take a turn for the better with restrictions placed by the government, including restricted vehicular movement and promotion of cleaner energy.
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Delhi, India: Fighting the Winter Smog
The AQI level at Delhi was 204, which speaks about its fighting against air pollution especially during winter season with crop burnings in neighboring states that increases the level of smog. Heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and dust make it worse for the people. People in the city use air purifiers and masks throughout their lives to deal with choking health hazards due to the filthy air.
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Dakar, Senegal: Dust Storms and Urbanisation Woes
The AQI in Dakar is 155 and falls in the “unhealthy” category. This is mainly caused by dust storms from the Sahara desert, among others that includes urbanisation and vehicular emissions. Mechanisms have been put in place regarding waste management and regulation of vehicular emissions to control the adverse implications on public health brought about by poor air quality.
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Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Effects of Fast Urban Growth
Kinshasa is equal to Dakar with an AQI of 155. High fast urbanisation and inadequate waste management result in unhealthy air conditions. Open waste burning and emissions from poorly regulated industries contribute hugely. Clean energy practices education should be initiated to address the city’s crisis with air pollution.
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Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Traffic and Industrial Hub
Dhaka records an AQI of 142, which classifies as “unhealthy.” Heavy traffic and thousands of brick kilns are the main offenders. Residents wake up very often to smog-filled mornings, alarming respiratory and cardiac indices. The city is working on clean technologies that can reduce pollution from brick production.
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Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: Coal Smoke in Winter
With an AQI of 132, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar has a tough time during winter, when increased coal burning for heating dramatically worsens pollution. The thick particulate matter makes smog hazardous to live in. The city needs to increase renewable energy use and improve its heating systems.
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Hanoi, Vietnam: Urbanisation and Construction Issues
In terms of its AQI of 128, the air quality in Hanoi is technically “unhealthy” because of traffic, construction, and industrial sources. For those in vulnerable populations, the government is working hard on initiatives such as clean public transport to mitigate higher levels of pollution.
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Jakarta, Indonesia: Impact of Urban Sprawl
About AQI 117, Jakarta experiences air pollution with industrial output and vehicle and urban sprawl emissions. They are trying to bring about change, starting with electric vehicles and stricter standards on industry to come down to a more healthy environment.
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Kolkata, India: Dust from Construction and Traffic Pollution
Kolkata’s AQI measures 113, falling in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category. Principal contributors include dust from construction, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. Cleaver transport solutions have started, but the road to safe air quality is long and arduous.
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Bucharest, Romania: Industrial Activities and Traffic Congestion
The last place in the list is Bucharest, with a rating of 106 AQI. Traffic and industrial emission pollution prevail here. Public campaigns and stricter regulations on emissions reduce the human toll of bad air for the residents of this city, particularly those who have illnesses.
The escalating air pollution crisis in cities like Lahore, Delhi, and others around the world underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address this global environmental emergency.
With hazardous AQI levels posing severe health risks, it is imperative for governments, industries, and citizens to work collectively toward sustainable solutions. Immediate measures, such as reducing industrial emissions, promoting cleaner transportation, and enhancing public awareness, are crucial to mitigating the impact of pollution. Without swift and effective interventions, the health and well-being of millions will continue to be jeopardised, along with the future of our planet.
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