The latest findings from the 2023 World Air Quality Report, conducted by Swiss-based IQAir, have revealed alarming statistics about the air quality in Central Asian states. With data collected from over 7,800 locations across 130 countries, the report sheds light on the prevalence of airborne harmful particles, specifically PM2.5, which pose severe health risks.
Central Asia emerged as one of the regions with the poorest air quality worldwide, trailing behind South Asian and Gulf states. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India secured the top three spots in the report’s ranking of countries with the highest levels of air pollution. Tajikistan notably ranked fourth globally for its concentration of PM2.5, with Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan following suit, placing 18th, 23rd, and 40th respectively. Turkmenistan, unfortunately, lacked sufficient data for inclusion in the report, while neighbouring China ranked 19th.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the report’s assertion that air pollution contributes to an estimated one in every nine deaths globally. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 7 million premature deaths occur annually due to air pollution, making it the most significant environmental threat to human health.
Among Central Asian capitals, Dushanbe emerged as the most polluted in 2023, ranking fourth in the IQAir city ranking. It was closely followed by Tashkent (22nd), Bishkek (29th), and Astana (52nd).
PM2.5, characterised by fine particulate aerosol particles with a diameter of up to 2.5 microns, is a key focus of the report. Measured in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³), PM2.5 is one of the six common pollutants monitored and regulated by environmental agencies worldwide due to its significant impacts on human health and the environment. Common anthropogenic sources of PM2.5 include car exhaust, heavy industrial processes, power generation, agriculture, construction, as well as coal and wood burning.
IQAir, the organisation behind the report, prides itself on operating the “world’s largest free, real-time air-quality information platform,” aiming to raise awareness and promote actions to address the global air quality crisis.
In response to the concerning findings, efforts to tackle air pollution in Central Asia are gaining momentum. Governments, international organisations, and local communities are increasingly recognizing the urgency of implementing measures to improve air quality and safeguard public health.
Initiatives range from stricter regulations on vehicle emissions and industrial pollution to promoting cleaner energy sources and enhancing public transportation infrastructure. Collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, businesses, and civil society, are essential to effectively address the complex issue of air pollution.
Furthermore, raising public awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality is crucial in fostering behavioural changes and garnering support for pollution control measures. Education campaigns, public health advisories, and the dissemination of real-time air quality data are instrumental in empowering individuals to make informed choices and take proactive steps to reduce their exposure to air pollution.
In addition to governmental actions, technological innovations play a pivotal role in monitoring air quality, identifying pollution hotspots, and implementing targeted interventions. Advances in sensor technology, data analytics, and remote sensing enable more accurate and comprehensive assessments of air pollution levels, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and resource allocation.
While significant challenges remain, including limited resources, institutional capacity constraints, and transboundary pollution issues, concerted efforts at the local, national, and regional levels offer hope for meaningful progress in addressing Central Asia’s air quality crisis.
As the global community continues to grapple with the far-reaching impacts of air pollution on public health, ecosystems, and climate change, collective action and collaboration are imperative to mitigate the adverse effects and build a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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