17.04.23 | The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates seven million premature deaths per year can be attributed to air pollution. Further, the World Bank estimates illness and death from air pollution reduces global GDP by 6.1%. Although just under 10% of the countries with sufficient data to assess have succeeded in reducing harmful air pollution levels below WHO guidelines, many cities are making strides. For instance, in Beijing, the concentration of harmful particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns (PM2.5) or smaller, fell 41% between 2018 and 2022. In Tokyo, PM2.5 concentrations fell by 30% over that period. Notably, in Sydney, which ranks among the best major cities in terms of air quality, PM2.5 concentrations still improved the most, falling 59% over the last four years.
Source: World Health Organization, IQAir, March 2023