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A recent report has revealed that nearly every country on Earth has air quality below the standard recommended by doctors, with harmful tiny toxic particles, known as PM2.5, exceeding safe limits. According to an analysis by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, only seven countries met the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 levels in 2024.
Click on to discover the countries leading the way in meeting WHO's clean air standards.
Australia has made significant progress in reducing air pollution by embracing renewable energy and implementing strict air quality regulations. The country has rapidly expanded its solar and wind energy capacity, reducing reliance on coal and natural gas.
Initiatives like the National Clean Air Agreement (NCAA) set emission limits for industries, ensuring that businesses comply with air quality standards. The government also encourages electric vehicle adoption by offering tax incentives and investing in the charging infrastructure.
Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are expanding public transport networks, including the Sydney Metro project, to reduce car emissions. Additionally, the government has introduced stringent vehicle emission standards, limiting nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter from older cars.
These combined efforts have led to a significant improvement in air quality, allowing Australia to meet the WHO's clean air standards, benefiting both the environment and public health.
The Bahamas has prioritized sustainable tourism and environmentally friendly policies to maintain high air quality. As a small island nation, air pollution has historically been low, but the government has implemented measures to prevent degradation.
The National Energy Policy 2030 aims to transition at least 30% of the country's energy to renewable sources, primarily solar and wind. This move reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution.
Additionally, the Bahamas also enforces strict environmental regulations for hotels and resorts, requiring them to follow eco-friendly construction and waste management practices.
Through these policies, the Bahamas has managed to maintain pristine air quality, ensuring that both locals and tourists benefit from a cleaner and healthier environment.
Barbados has made remarkable progress in improving air quality through its transition to electric public transportation and renewable energy initiatives.
The Barbados National Energy Policy (BNEP) aims for 100% renewable energy by 2030, significantly reducing carbon emissions. The government has introduced a fleet of electric buses, reducing air pollution from diesel-powered transport.
In addition, solar energy projects have been widely adopted, powering homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. The country has also implemented energy-efficient building regulations, encouraging the construction of low-emission homes and offices.
Barbados' strict air quality standards limit industrial emissions, ensuring that businesses comply with WHO's clean air standards. With its continued investments in clean transportation, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development, Barbados has successfully reduced air pollution.
The Baltic nation has taken bold steps to reduce emissions and improve air quality through investments in clean energy and sustainable transportation.
The country has moved away from oil shale energy, its historically dominant but highly polluting power source, and shifted toward wind, solar, and biomass energy. This transition has significantly lowered industrial emissions.
Additionally, Estonia has implemented an innovative free public transport policy in Tallinn and other cities, reducing the number of private vehicles on the road. Stricter vehicle emissions standards ensure that cars meet EU pollution regulations, helping to curb air pollution in urban areas.
The Estonian Environmental Board enforces strict industrial pollution controls, ensuring that factories comply with environmental laws. Through these efforts, Estonia has successfully improved air quality, meeting WHO's clean air standards while maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.
Grenada has focused on climate resilience, renewable energy, and strict environmental regulations to maintain clean air standards. The country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) emphasizes reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels by investing in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy.
Grenada has also implemented strict vehicle emissions laws, requiring regular inspections to ensure that cars meet low-emission standards. The government enforces air pollution controls in industries, ensuring that factories operate within regulated limits.
Additionally, reforestation programs have been launched to increase carbon absorption and prevent soil erosion, further improving air quality. Sustainable agriculture initiatives promote organic farming and limit the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can contribute to air pollution.
Through these combined strategies, this Caribbean island has successfully maintained its clean air, making it one of the few nations that meet WHO's air quality benchmarks.
Iceland is known for having some of the cleanest air in the world thanks to its reliance on renewable energy sources. The country generates nearly all its electricity from geothermal and hydroelectric power, producing almost zero emissions from energy production.
The Icelandic Climate Action Plan promotes the adoption of electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered transport, reducing emissions from the transportation sector.
The government has also imposed strict environmental laws on industries, requiring businesses to implement sustainable practices. Iceland's strict air quality monitoring system ensures that pollutants remain at minimal levels.
The country also enforces eco-friendly tourism policies, limiting the number of visitors in fragile ecosystems to preserve air and environmental quality. With these sustainable energy solutions and environmental policies, Iceland continues serving as a global example of green energy success.
New Zealand has successfully maintained high air quality through strict environmental regulations and clean energy initiatives. The Resource Management Act enforces strict industrial emission limits, ensuring that businesses comply with air pollution laws.
New Zealand generates most of its electricity from hydro, wind, and geothermal sources, significantly reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. This shift to renewable energy has been crucial in lowering the country's carbon emissions and improving air quality.
Large-scale reforestation projects, such as the One Billion Trees Program, help absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality. Additionally, the country has stringent urban planning policies, reducing traffic congestion and encouraging the use of public transportation.
By combining renewable energy investments, strong environmental policies, and sustainable urban planning, New Zealand continues to meet WHO's clean air standards, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
These seven nations show that renewable energy, clean transportation, and strong environmental policies can achieve cleaner air and healthier populations, serving as global role models for sustainable development.
Sources: (IQAir) (The Guardian) (Reuters) (World Health Organization)
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A recent report has revealed that nearly every country on Earth has air quality below the standard recommended by doctors, with harmful tiny toxic particles, known as PM2.5, exceeding safe limits. According to an analysis by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, only seven countries met the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 levels in 2024.
Click on to discover the countries leading the way in meeting WHO's clean air standards.