Only 13 Places In The World Have Healthy Air, And The US Isn’t One Of Them

Some of the only places in the world left with healthy air include Canada, Iceland, and Finland.

By Wendy Hernandez | Published

healthy air

Healthy air is essential to our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, air pollution has become a pressing issue as it brings harmful substances into the air we breathe. The consequences of this can be severe, with millions of people dying every year from air pollution-related health issues. 

CNN recently reported that only 13 places on earth have healthy air, and sadly, the United States is not one of them. The IQAir report points out that most of these places are in remote parts of Canada, Finland, and Iceland, where there aren’t as many people and where there isn’t a lot of industrial activity.

On the other hand, the report names China, India, and several countries in the Middle East as having alarmingly high levels of air pollution. People also say that there is a lot of air pollution in the United States, especially in cities and places with heavy industry. Air pollution is thought to cost $5 trillion per year in health care costs and lost work time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has put out guidelines to help governments make laws that protect public health, thereby ensuring healthy air for citizens around the world. However, a report by IQAir, a company that monitors air quality around the world, found that average annual air pollution in roughly 90 percent of the countries and territories studied exceeded the WHO’s air quality guidelines. This report shows how bad air pollution is for people’s health and how urgently the whole world needs to act to solve this problem.

The report calls for more money to be spent on clean energy, stricter rules on pollution from industry and transportation, and more environmentally friendly ways to farm. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing air pollution so people can breathe healthy air. 

In addition to these measures, individuals can also take steps to reduce their exposure to air pollution, such as using public transportation or carpooling, using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, and avoiding the use of products that release harmful chemicals into the air.

Despite the daunting challenge of addressing air pollution at a global level, the report offers hope that progress can be made. Several countries have been able to cut down on air pollution by working with the government and educating the public.

For example, Denmark’s air pollution has gone down a lot since clean energy and transportation policies were put in place. Public education campaigns in Singapore have made people more aware of the health risks of air pollution and encouraged them to take steps to limit their exposure.

Suffice it to say, the World Health Organization report is a sobering reminder of how important it is to address air pollution. With only 13 places in the world having clean, healthy air, urgent action is needed to protect human health and promote sustainable growth.

Collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals is crucial to achieving healthy air and a healthier environment. Investing in clean energy, imposing stricter regulations on industrial and transportation pollution, and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices are all necessary steps to achieve this.