Population has substantially increased in the world cities. For the first time, more than 50% of the global population is found in cities. In the meantime, the World Health Organization suggests that 50% of the world largest cities and their inhabitants are exposed to air pollution.
Pollution could have numerous devastating impacts that could pose health problems to our society today. To try and combat such issues, WHO and Mercer has regularly compile regular lists showing the dirtiest cities in the world.
Here, we present a compilation of the top ten dirtiest cities on the planet. Our Index score is based on the following parameters: quality of drinking water, healthcare affordability, infectious diseases’
spread, recycling and air pollution.
10. Brazzaville, Congo
Our Index Score: 39.1
This is among the dirtiest cities, with high traffic, mud, cheerily-painted shacks, and dirty hotels. If you want to visit this country, you will fly through France and Johannesburg from the US. And as you get into the country, you may think you are getting into a jungle due to the highest number of gorillas globally.
Air pollution is common in this city, and there is lack of clean water because of the consistent contamination of its water. Raw sewage is the main contaminant of the water, thus contributing to various health and sanitation issues for the capital. These affect the local population’s life expectancy; currently stands at 62.87 years.
9. Mumbai, India
Our Index Score: 38.2
The pollution levels in India’s capital have reached an all-time high. For particulate matter levels, Mumbai has about 104 mg per cubic meter. Despite being a major economic hub, Mumbai has had a surge in population that has contributed to increased pollution. The government of India hopes that it can transform the city, but pollution continues to afflict it.
Also, a population of 19 million has led to poor garbage disposal and occasionally undrinkable water. The Times of India reports that air pollution in this city has led to premature deaths of at least 80000 adults.
While traveling to this city, you should expect to find large heaps of garbage that have been disposed in many locations.
8. Baghdad, Iraq
Our Index Score: 38.5
As the second largest city within the Arab world, Iraq’s capital has a population of more than nine million. Various reports have listed Baghdad as the least attractive and hospitable places in the world to live in.
One of the main problems that you will find when you visit this city is the poor water quality, which results in water-borne diseases that result in serious health issues and the loss of many lives.
Residents of Baghdad grapple with numerous problems every day, including poor electricity supply, clean water, inadequate sewage systems, high rates of unemployment, rampant violence, heaps of garbage and terrible traffic. The government’s reluctance to promote sanitation in this city has left it in a poor state.
7. Port au Prince, Haiti
Our Index Score: 37.5
It is the most populous city in Haiti. The capital has dangerous water and air contamination levels. Despite being central to the economic development of Haiti, Port au Prince lacks pollution controls. This has contributed to the prevalent environmental issues that bedevil the city.
The city has had various environmental disasters lately, including the 2010 earthquake, cholera outbreak and Hurricane Mathew. Cholera outbreaks are common, and are caused by the poor sanitation systems.
The other source of its dirt is its population; more than three million people. This large population contributes to the production of 5000 tons of solid waste every day. The worrying aspect is that public service usually collects a paltry 7% of the garbage produced.
6. Baku, Azerbaijan
Our Index Score: 35.0
Baku has established sewer systems, but this has not helped it to get out of the top 10 dirtiest cities in the world. The WHO ranking in 2016 placed it at 27.6, and its current score is a significant improvement.
The drilling and shipping of oil have contributed to the alarming air pollution levels, and since the country is reliant on these activities, there is less likelihood that there will be significant changes going forward.
Drinking water is also of poor quality and there are only a few recycling mechanisms. Additionally, the high costs of healthcare and poor sanitation have contributed to high prevalence of infectious diseases.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Our Index Score: 33.0
Mexico’s altitude is about 7350 feet above sea level, thus making it to have little oxygen supply. It is also the home of approximately four million vehicles. Because of these factors, it is prone to incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, especially the diesel emissions that eventually lead to high levels of air pollution. In other words, the volcanic crater and mountains lock in the pollutants, resulting in smog clogging the city. Unhealthy ozone emissions remain constant during the whole year at about 85%.
4. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Our Index Score: 30.0
If you visited Addis Ababa today, you’ll find it difficult believing that there is sanitation. The people responsible for cleaning up this city do shoddy jobs. Testimonials from TripAdvisor travelers indicate that you could find dirt and dust almost in all places within the city.
With a population of about four million people, many of them lack access to hygienic waste. Also, waste is haphazardly disposed, this resulting in the development of infectious diseases and high mortality rates. Globally, Addis Ababa faces one of the worst sanitation menaces.
3. Cairo, Egypt
Our Index Score: 27.5
Cairo is home to the largest population in Egypt. Averagely, residents of Cairo breathe in air with high levels of particulate matter. WHO states that the particulate matter in Cairo’s air is 11.7 times more dangerous compared to the safe level recommended. The city is also the third noisiest globally after Guangzhou and Delhi. The noise pollution level reaches about 85 decibels on a daily basis. Regarding light pollution, Cairo is the third brightest globally, behind Chicago and Moscow.
2. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Our Index Score: 25.0
Dhaka is overcrowded and quite polluted. If you are visiting this city, there is a good reason to worry about its air quality because it is among the top five currently in terms of air quality score as ranked by the Environmental Performance Index.
It also struggles with the constant water pollution menace. The surface water is often a source of diseases, with many pollutants emanating from commercial pesticides. With about 150 million people living within its small area, cleaning it up remains a challenge.
1. New Delhi, India
Our Index Score: 20.0
The city is home to about 17 million people. Because of overcrowding in this city, you will commonly find piles of garbage and public urination. If you visit this city, accommodation is the other problem that you will encounter as many of the hotels remain dirty, have dirty towels and do not have appropriate air and heat conditioning. The other issues that you will find in this city are poor quality of drinking water, prevalence of infectious diseases, lack of recycling and high levels of air pollution.
Overall, there are many dirty cities in the world, but according to our metrics, the cities discussed above are the dirtiest.
