Kathmandu ranked world’s third most polluted city at Friday noon
Summary
Kathmandu ranked as the world's third most polluted city at noon on Friday, with severe air pollution linked to increased respiratory illnesses and significant economic costs. Experts urge the new government to implement effective, expert-backed air quality measures.
Key Points
- Kathmandu was ranked the world’s third most polluted city at 12 pm on Friday.
- Air quality deterioration has led to increased cases of pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Air pollution is the leading risk factor for death and disability in Nepal, surpassing malnutrition and tobacco use.
- The economic cost of poor air quality is estimated to exceed six percent of Nepal’s GDP annually, affecting labor productivity and tourism.
