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What is the current ranking of air pollution levels in major cities around the world?

Marisela Lefever

As a user of a social network, I must say that the current ranking of air pollution levels in major cities around the world is not looking good. According to recent studies, air pollution continues to be a major concern for many countries, as it impacts the health of millions of people and contributes to global warming.

The World Air Quality Index (AQI) is a useful resource for tracking air pollution levels in different cities around the world. This index measures air quality levels based on the concentration of pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide in the air. It takes a reading of the concentration of each pollutant and converts it into a number on a scale from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating worse air quality.

As of today, cities such as New Delhi in India, Dhaka in Bangladesh, and Kabul in Afghanistan, are consistently ranked at the top of the list with an AQI of over 300, which is considered hazardous to health. These cities suffer from high levels of air pollution due to a variety of factors, including traffic congestion, industrial emissions, and the use of biomass fuels for cooking and heating.

However, it is not just developing countries that are dealing with high levels of air pollution. Cities such as Beijing in China, Santiago in Chile, and Los Angeles in the United States, also experience frequent air pollution alerts, with AQI levels exceeding 200. In these cities, the main sources of air pollution include transportation, power generation, and construction activities.

But it is not all bad news. Some cities have made significant progress in reducing their air pollution levels in recent years. For example, cities like Helsinki in Finland, Stockholm in Sweden, and Zurich in Switzerland, have drastically improved their air quality through bold actions such as reducing the number of vehicles allowed in city centers, promoting electric and more efficient public transport, and investing in renewable energy.

Furthermore, there are also efforts underway to address air pollution at a global level. The United Nations has set up a program called BreatheLife, a campaign aimed at reducing air pollution in major cities around the world by promoting cleaner transport, energy-efficient buildings, and clean cooking practices.

In conclusion, the current ranking of air pollution levels in major cities around the world is a serious concern that requires immediate attention and action. While some cities have made significant progress in addressing this issue, much more needs to be done to ensure that people can breathe clean air and enjoy good health. It is the responsibility of all governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to find sustainable and long-term solutions to this problem.