Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Switzerland-based air quality monitoring platform iQAir has released its latest report on the world’s most polluted countries in 2024. Indonesia ranks as the 15th most polluted country globally, placing it as the most polluted country in Southeast Asia.
The “World Air Quality Report 2024,” published on Tuesday (March 11), compiles data from over 40,000 air monitoring stations across 8,954 locations in 138 countries, regions, and territories. According to iQAir, the report was analyzed by air quality scientists to assess pollution levels worldwide.
The data revealed that only seven countries met the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards in 2024. The seven countries including Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia, and Iceland.
Meanwhile, Chad was identified as the world’s most polluted country, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, exceeding WHO’s recommended levels by 18 times.
Indonesia Tops Southeast Asia’s Pollution Rankings
Indonesia recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 35.5 µg/m³, placing it 15th among the world’s most polluted nations. While this figure represents a 4% improvement from the previous year, Indonesia remains the most polluted country in Southeast Asia.
Notably, no other ASEAN country ranked in the top 20 most polluted nations. Additionally, no Indonesian city met WHO’s air quality standards in 2024.
“Despite a slight improvement, Indonesia remains the most polluted country in Southeast Asia and ranks 15th globally,” IQAir stated.
“In Jakarta, the capital, PM2.5 levels declined by nearly 5% from 2023, with an annual average of 41.7 µg/m³.”
Top 20 Most Polluted Countries in 2024
According to CNN Indonesia, here’s the top 20 most polluted countries in 2024 reported by iQAir:
- Chad – 91.8 µg/m³
- Bangladesh – 78.0 µg/m³
- Pakistan – 73.7 µg/m³
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – 58.2 µg/m³
- India – 50.6 µg/m³
- Tajikistan – 46.3 µg/m³
- Nepal – 42.8 µg/m³
- Uganda – 41.0 µg/m³
- Rwanda – 40.8 µg/m³
- Burundi – 40.3 µg/m³
- Nigeria – 40.1 µg/m³
- Egypt – 39.8 µg/m³
- Iraq – 38.4 µg/m³
- Ghana – 35.8 µg/m³
- Indonesia – 35.5 µg/m³
- Gambia – 35.2 µg/m³
- United Arab Emirates – 33.7 µg/m³
- Bahrain – 31.8 µg/m³
- Uzbekistan – 31.4 µg/m³
- Qatar – 31.3 µg/m³
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The report underscores the persistent challenges many countries face in improving air quality. In Indonesia, air pollution remains a pressing issue, particularly in urban centers like Jakarta. As nations work toward cleaner air, the findings highlight the urgent need for stronger environmental policies and pollution control measures.
(Raidi/Agung)
