Which country is the most polluted in 2024 and what is India's rank as per the recently revealed 2024 Air Pollution Rankings by IQAir?

The correct answer is Chad and India's Rank is 5th.

In News

• Chad is the most polluted country in 2024, with pollution levels over 15 times higher than WHO guidelines.
• India ranks fifth in global pollution rankings, with Byrnihat being the most polluted city in India, registering a PM2.5 level of 128 mg/cu m.

Key Points

• Chad has the highest pollution levels in 2024, exceeding WHO guidelines by more than 15 times.
• India ranks fifth in global pollution levels with an average PM2.5 level of 50.6 mg/cu m in 2024.
• Byrnihat, an industrialized city in India's northeast, recorded the highest PM2.5 level of 128 mg/cu m in the country.
• Climate change is increasing the pollution levels due to higher temperatures and prolonged forest fires, impacting various regions globally.
• Swiss company IQAir’s 2024 World Air Quality Report revealed this.
• India was 5th in the smog rankings behind Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Democratic Republic of Congo.

Additional Information

• PM2.5: A measure of fine particulate matter in the air, less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which can be hazardous to health.
• WHO Guidelines: World Health Organization's recommended safe levels for air quality, which is set at a maximum of 5 micrograms per cubic meter for PM2.5.
• Byrnihat: A city in the northeastern part of India known for its industrial activity, contributing to high pollution levels.
• Climate Change: A major driver of increased pollution, with higher temperatures fueling more intense and prolonged forest fires, which in turn increases air pollution levels.