US Virgin Islands named the cleanest place in the world
The U.S. Virgin Islands, New Caledonia, and Puerto Rico were identified as the cleanest areas globally in a recent assessment. CNBC reported the finding following an investigation by IQAir, a Swiss maker of air purification systems. The study evaluated air quality using PM 2.5 particles, tiny pollutants linked to serious health risks such as respiratory disease, heart attacks, strokes, and cancers. These particles originate from burning fossil fuels and farming activities.
The researchers found that none of the 117 countries reviewed met World Health Organization standards. Yet three regions stood out as the cleanest: the U.S. Virgin Islands, the French Overseas Territory of New Caledonia, and Puerto Rico. Rounding out the top five were Cape Verde and the Caribbean island of Saba. The finest cities were the capitals Nouméa, Charlotte Amalie, and San Juan, along with Canberra and St George’s.
Across the globe, Central and South Asian cities posted the poorest results. Bangladesh, Chad, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and India were highlighted as the countries facing the worst air quality. The most polluted cities listed include New Delhi, Dhaka, N Djamena, Dushanbe, and Muscat. In Russia, Krasnoyarsk was noted as the lagging city among the larger sample, ranking near the bottom of the list.
Greenpeace India spokesperson Avinash Chanchal commented that the report should serve as a wake-up call about the lack of access to clean air for many people. He argued that strong public transport options and a switch to renewable energy could reduce air pollution while also supporting efforts to address the climate crisis. The World Health Organization has long warned that air pollution takes a heavy toll on public health, estimating millions of premature deaths each year. In the 2021 update, the WHO lowered its target for fine particulate matter to five micrograms per cubic meter, tightening the standard in an effort to protect populations better across diverse environments. These findings underscore the ongoing need for policies that reduce emissions, promote cleaner energy, and expand access to safe air for communities worldwide.
Source: Lenta