New Delhi emerged as the world’s most polluted Capital for the third straight year in 2020, according to IQAir, a Swiss group that measures air quality levels based on the concentration of PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, which can enter the lungs and the bloodstream).
The report is based on PM2.5 data from 106 countries and uses ground-based monitoring stations operated by governmental agencies, local residents, non-profit organisations and companies.
However, the report suggested that air quality in India improved in 2020 due to the countrywide lockdown, which led to a substantial decrease in traffic and industry activities.
“The year 2020 brought an unexpected dip in air pollution,” Frank Hammes, Chief Executive Officer of IQAir said. “In 2021, we will likely see an increase in air pollution due to human activity again. We hope this report will highlight that urgent action is both possible and necessary to combat air…