Data Shows Only Seven Countries Met Who Air Quality Standards in 2024

SOUTH ASIA – A U.S. decision to end its global air quality monitoring program is leaving at least 34 countries without critical pollution data, raising concerns about tracking air pollution worldwide.

The move comes as a new report shows only seven countries, Australia, New Zealand, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia, and Iceland who met air quality guidelines in 2024.

Meanwhile, Chad and Bangladesh recorded the worst pollution levels, with smog concentrations 15 times higher than who recommendations.

Experts warn data gaps will make it harder to fight rising pollution, especially in Asia and Africa.