Where on earth we can find a clean air? … or, let us say a less air pollution and higher air quality? … Air pollution is one of the major threats to our whole planet. locations with high air pollution suffer from its negative effect on people life. Luckily, we still have some spots on mother earth that have relatively clean air and low levels of air pollution.
Is Air Pollution really dangerous?
Definitely, yes … speaking about health, air pollution has negative effect on lungs, heart, eyes and others. Effect can be so severe that it results in chronic diseases or even death. According to the estimation of WHO, urban outdoor air pollution causes 1.3 million deaths worldwide per year. Children are particularly at risk due to the immaturity of their respiratory organ systems.
In additional to humans, air pollution has its damaging effects on animals, plants and the whole environment around us.
Measurement
Measuring Air Pollution is based on the amount of particles per cubic meter of Air. These particles are the materials in the air that enters our body while we breathe. Then, they cause negative effect on our health. The large amount of particles per cubic meter means a high level of air pollution.
A standard measure is called PM2.5. It means the amount (in micrograms) of particles having size around 2.5 micrometer. For example, PM2.5 = 40 means that each cubic meter of air contains 40 micrograms of these small particles.
Masdar City
WHen talking about Clean Air, we should mention Masdar City, the first city with Zero emissions. it is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. the city depends on renewable energy for covering the city needs of power & energy.
Read more details about Masdar City in our article here.
Countries with Clean Air – Top Ten
An academic study has estimated the PM2.5 values for the world countries. The study is available here. In addition, World Bank has published the data in its online open data section.
The study results show countries that have lowest PM2.5 values. Accordingly, cleaner air & lower levels of air pollution. According to the study, top ten countries in clean air were as follows:
(click on map for larger view – source for all maps: Google Maps)
Micronesia
Micronesia (PM2.5 4.36) lies in the Pacific Ocean to the east from Philippines & Indonesia. It consists of 607 islands having total land area of approximately 702 km2. Population is around only 106,000.
Economy is mainly depending on farming and fishing. There is tourism as well but the remote location limits the number of tourists visiting Micronesia.
(Photo credit: Flicker, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade).
Solomon Islands
As in Micronesia, Solomon Islands (PM2.5 4.54) is a county that consists of islands spreading in the Pacific Ocean. It lies to the south of Micronesia and to the east of Papua New Guinea & Australia. Solomon Islands has total Land area of 28,400 km2. Population is around 523,000.
GDP per capita is only USD 1,953. Economy depends on fishing and exporting raw materials.
(Photo credit: http://www.visitsolomons.com.sb).
Belize
Belize (PM2.5 5.71) is a country on the eastern coast of Central America to the south of Mexico. It has an area of 22,800 km2 and a population of around 368,000.
Economy depends on agriculture, exporting raw materials and tourism.
(Photo credit: http://www.visitsolomons.com.sb).
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Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PM2.5 5.90) is a country in the Pacific Ocean and occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea. It is near to the Micronesia & Solomon Islands that we mentioned before. It has an area of 462,840 km2 and population of around 7 millions.
Economy depends on agriculture and exporting raw materials.
Australia
The big island that is surrounded by two oceans, Pacific Ocean & Indian Ocean. It lies near the previously mentioned Papua New, Micronesia & Solomon islands. Australia (PM2.5 5.93) is the world’s sixth-largest country with a total area of 7,692,024 km2. It has a population of around 24 million. That makes Australia one of countries with low population density.
Unlike the previous four countries, Australia has a strong economy with various sources of income. They have a high GDP per capita (USD 51,642) and low poverty level.
Australia has many forests that represent a large green cover. Therefore it participate in cleaning the Australian air.
Norway
One of the Scandinavian countries at the north of world. It overlooks three seas: Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and the North Sea. Norway (PM2.5 6.04) has an area of 385,178 km2 and a population of around 5 million.
As in Australia, Norway has a strong economy with various sources of income. it is a wealthy country. Consequently, GDP per capita is one of the highest in the world (USD 72,046).
Norway has domestic regulations to reduce the emissions and air pollution. Accordingly maintaining clean air.
Madagascar
An island in the Indian Ocean at the Southeast of Africa. Madagascar (PM2.5 6.20) has an area of 587,041 km2 and population of about 22 millions.
Economy depends on tourism, agriculture and related industries. GDP per capita is only around USD 400.
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Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste (PM2.5 6.21) lies at the eastern half of the island of Timor at the north to Australia. Total area is only 15,410 km2. Population is around 1.2 million.
Economy depends on farming and exporting raw materials.
Seychelles
Seychelles (PM2.5 6.51) A country of 115 islands lies in the Indian Ocean. They are about 1500 km away from the eastern coast of Africa. They have a total area of 459 km2 and population of only around 100,000.
Economy depends on tourism and exporting agriculture products & fish.
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Uruguay
Uruguay (PM2.5 6.68) is a country in South America that lies to the south of Brazil overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It has a total area of 176,215 km2 and population of around 3.4 million.
Economy depends on agriculture, related industry and tourism. Additionally, Uruguay sell software services to the neighborhood.
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General Notes
By looking at the 10 countries, all of them are either islands or overlooking the sea/ocean. None of them is a land-locked country. Most of the countries are living in a simple life. that means simple facilities and simple economical activities. Consequently, less emissions. As we see in most of them, Agriculture and primitive industry accounts for the major income. For Australia & Norway, they have the modern life facilities & welfare and industrial activities. However, they try to set regulation to maintain clean air and low levels of air pollution.
A writer & GIS consultant … Studied the Management of Technology … dreaming of a better world.
