Discover the top 10 most polluted cities in the world in 2024, from Lahore to Beijing. Learn about the major sources of pollution and the urgent need for global climate action.

Air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental challenges globally, posing severe health risks to millions of people. In 2024, many cities around the world continue to grapple with dangerously high levels of pollution caused by rapid industrialization, vehicle emissions, and reliance on fossil fuels. These cities face smog-filled skies and alarming air quality levels, emphasizing the urgent need for clean energy solutions and stricter environmental regulations. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 most polluted cities in the world in 2024.

The Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in the World in 2024

1. Lahore, Pakistan

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: Lahore continues to top the list of the most polluted cities due to heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and the widespread burning of crop residues. In 2024, Lahore’s air quality index (AQI) consistently reports hazardous levels, leading to severe health risks such as respiratory diseases. The lack of pollution control measures exacerbates the situation, making Lahore one of the hardest-hit cities by air pollution.
  • Primary Pollutants: Particulate matter (PM2.5), vehicle emissions, and industrial pollutants.

2. Delhi, India

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: Delhi has long struggled with severe air pollution due to a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and crop burning in neighboring states. In 2024, air quality in Delhi remains at hazardous levels, particularly during winter months when smog and particulate matter increase significantly. The city’s growing population and reliance on coal-based power generation continue to contribute to its dire air quality situation.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

3. Dhaka, Bangladesh

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: Dhaka consistently ranks among the most polluted cities, with its air pollution driven by brick kilns, vehicular traffic, and industrial emissions. In 2024, the city continues to experience poor air quality, with limited regulatory measures in place to curb emissions. Construction dust, open burning, and the use of outdated technology in industries further exacerbate pollution levels.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), and industrial waste.

4. Karachi, Pakistan

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: As Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi faces extreme pollution levels in 2024, driven by unregulated industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and poor waste management practices. The city’s rapid urbanization, lack of green spaces, and open burning of waste contribute significantly to its air quality problems. Karachi’s pollution poses serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and vehicle emissions.

5. Beijing, China

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: While China has made efforts to improve air quality in major cities, Beijing continues to experience high pollution levels in 2024 due to its heavy industrial base, traffic congestion, and reliance on coal for energy. Despite improvements in pollution control measures, Beijing still suffers from high levels of particulate matter during certain times of the year, particularly in winter.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

6. Kabul, Afghanistan

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: Kabul’s air pollution crisis has worsened due to rapid urbanization, reliance on low-quality fuels for heating, and inadequate infrastructure for waste disposal. In 2024, the city continues to struggle with poor air quality, especially during the colder months when wood and coal are burned for warmth. The lack of environmental regulations and a growing population contribute to Kabul’s pollution problems.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

7. Jakarta, Indonesia

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: Jakarta faces severe air pollution from traffic congestion, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. In 2024, the city’s air quality remains one of the worst in Southeast Asia, with frequent smog and haze impacting public health. Urban sprawl, coupled with poor transportation infrastructure, exacerbates the pollution problem.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

8. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: Ulaanbaatar experiences some of the harshest air pollution in the world during winter due to the widespread burning of coal for heating. In 2024, the city’s air quality remains heavily impacted by coal-fired stoves used in ger (traditional Mongolian yurts) districts, which generate high levels of particulate matter. Efforts to introduce cleaner heating options are underway, but air quality remains a major concern.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

9. Cairo, Egypt

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: Cairo’s air pollution problem stems from a combination of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of agricultural waste. In 2024, the city continues to experience high levels of smog, particularly during the autumn months when farmers burn rice straw. Cairo’s growing population and traffic congestion further contribute to its air quality challenges.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM10, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and vehicle emissions.

10. Kolkata, India

  • Why It’s Highly Polluted: Kolkata faces severe air pollution issues in 2024, driven by a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning. Despite efforts to improve air quality, Kolkata continues to struggle with hazardous levels of particulate matter, especially during the colder months when pollution tends to spike.
  • Primary Pollutants: PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Sources

  • Air quality reports: Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), AirVisual, and national environmental agencies.
  • Expert analysis: Compiled from global air quality monitoring systems, health reports, and environmental studies in 2024.

Conclusion

The cities listed above face severe air quality challenges in 2024, driven by industrialization, vehicle emissions, and the burning of biomass. With health risks ranging from respiratory illnesses to cardiovascular diseases, these cities are in dire need of stronger environmental policies and sustainable urban planning. While efforts are being made to address pollution in many of these areas, the path to cleaner air requires global cooperation and more aggressive action to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.

FAQs

Q: Which city is the most polluted in 2024?

A: Lahore, Pakistan, continues to top the list as the most polluted city in 2024, facing hazardous levels of air pollution due to industrial activities and vehicle emissions.

Q: How does air pollution affect health?

A: Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, exacerbate asthma, and increase the risk of stroke and lung cancer.