January 8, 2025
Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk globally, contributing to more than 8 million deaths in 2021. Beyond the large number of deaths, exposure to air pollution affects well-being, livelihoods, and economies across the globe. The challenge is particularly severe in South Asia, where air pollution ranks as the number one risk factor for deaths in most countries. Just a few weeks ago, major cities including Lahore, Pakistan, Delhi, India, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, experienced high levels of air pollution, with impacts on visibility, daily life, economy, and public health.