8 Most Air Polluted Cities in the World, Dubai to Malaysia

VIVA – Air pollution is one of the leading causes of death around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution from coal oil and gas burning sources kills an estimated 8.7 million people worldwide every year.

So, it turns out that in some countries, there are still cities that are most polluted by air pollution.

Here are the 8 most air polluted cities in the world that people need to know:

1. Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia's administrative center for the booming oil industry, the sandy port city of Dhahran has to face many problems related to air pollution. However, some speculate that recent changes to the law, allowing Saudi women to drive, have contributed to drastic levels of air pollution across the Middle Eastern country.

As the city with the 30th worst air pollution, Dharan still has some work to do to provide fresh air for its citizens.

2. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar was a nomadic Buddhist center with a vast and interesting culture. After the Soviet religious purges in the 20th century, the city was rapidly modernized.

Surrounded by miles of prairie, Ulaanbaatar represents one of the most polluted capital cities in the world. Characterized by a mix of 21st century and traditional lifestyles, Mongolia's capital city faces air pollution problems due to the burning of solid fuels during the region's winters.

This densely populated district, located on the outskirts of Lima, houses 10% of the capital's population. Despite having an area with a thriving economy and acceptable living conditions, Unfortunately, Lurigancho is known for its widespread urban poverty.

According to the executive coordinator of the Clean Air Initiative committee for Lima and Callao, the reasons behind Peru's high urban air pollution are rooted in poor fuel quality and old cars on the roads, most of which date back to the 1990s and early 2000s.

The historic city of Weaverville Gold Rush lies just below the Trinity Alps Wilderness area. Being at the foot of a mountainous area, the Weaverville location traps pollution, which is further enhanced by its warm climate which helps create a wide variety of pollutants.

Located in the eastern region of Kvemo Kartli, Rustavi is one of the oldest cities in Georgia. People have lived in this area since the Bronze Age. It was an impressive fortress; this historic city was left in ruins after the invasion.

In recent years, Rustavi has developed into one of the major industrial cities in Georgia and the air pollution problem in this ancient city stems from its large industrial zone with more than 40 factories located within it.

Known for its ultra-modern architecture, lavish lifestyle and amazing nightlife, Dubai may be favored by tourists but is also the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates.

As cars remain the number one mode of transportation in Middle Eastern cities, air pollution is on the increase.

However, Dubai aims to produce a third of its energy from clean sources by 2050, in hopes of fighting its pollution problem.

Orzesze is originally from Poland and was only considered a city since the 1960s. As part of the larger Katowice urban area, this historic city is densely populated.

In 2020, Orzesze was named the most polluted city in Europe. Overall, Poland's smog problem stems from so-called dirty fuels, such as coal and even household waste, which are burned to help heat homes.

The kingdom city of Klang is located in the Klang region and is known for its historic importance to Malaysia. Separated into North and South Klang by the Klang River, this port city is important to Malaysian industry.

It is affected by climate change and Southeast Asia's fog, which causes air pollution to continue to increase within Klang. With its ideal location in the Klang Valley, the Malaysian city is experiencing rapid development which adds to its PM2.5 level.

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Ulaanbaatar was a nomadic Buddhist center with a vast and interesting culture. After the Soviet religious purges in the 20th century, the city was rapidly modernized.