Nasionalberita.com – The issue of air quality has recently garnered public attention as pollution levels in the capital city of Jakarta become increasingly concerning, especially during the ongoing extreme summer season.
For instance, on Sunday (13/8), the air quality in the capital city of Jakarta once again claimed the top position as the city with the worst air quality in the world.
Based on data from the IQAir air quality monitoring site at 06:00 AM WIB (Western Indonesia Time), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Jakarta reached a level of 170, categorizing it as unhealthy due to PM2.5 air pollution.
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One of the worrying impacts is the rise in the number of patients exhibiting symptoms of Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARTI).
However, on the other hand, there are several densely populated cities that still maintain good air quality. In fact, some of them have very low levels of air pollution.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna stands as one of the most densely populated cities in the European Union and is also home to half of Austria’s population.
Despite its population density, Vienna is recognized as one of the cities with the best air quality in the world.
According to the IQAir index, the air quality in Vienna is currently good with a US AQI index of 50. The lower the index value, the better and cleaner the air quality.
As quoted from Balkan Green Energy News, Vienna is among the top 50 greenest cities frequently visited by tourists from all around the world. Parks are commonly found throughout Vienna.
In addition to its abundant green spaces, the city has also embraced environmentally friendly energy sources for its public transportation, such as electric-powered subway trains.
Vienna also relies on hydroelectric power to supply electricity to the entire city.
Zurich, Switzerland
In 2022, Zurich was hailed as the city with the cleanest air in the world. At that time, the air pollution level based on PM2.5 measurements in Zurich averaged only 0.51 µg/m3, signifying the lowest air pollution level globally.
In addition to its location near the Alpine mountains, this metropolitan city enforces strict transportation and development policies, including stringent carbon emission standards.
Quoted from Cities-Today, the Zurich government has banned vehicles and machines powered by diesel or gasoline. On the other hand, they continue to expand eco-friendly public transportation and improve bicycle and pedestrian lanes.
Based on the IQAir index, the air quality in Zurich is currently very good with a US AQI index of 29.
Oslo, Norway
Despite being the capital city and the most densely populated in the country, Oslo boasts the best air quality in the world due to its very low air pollution levels.
According to IQAir, the air quality in Oslo is classified as good with a US AQI index of around 20.
The primary sources of pollution in Oslo are usually transportation and heating usage, particularly during the winter season.
One of the key reasons for this good air quality is the adoption of sustainable emission control and environmentally friendly economic policies.
In 2016, Norway even tightened regulations on air pollution control and mandated regional and city governments to be responsible for maintaining air quality standards if they were to fall below established levels.
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Oslo has been developing green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and bicycle lanes since 2017. The government prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists in its transportation system.
Oslo has even designated an area of over 1.3 square kilometers as a car-free zone. The city plans to repurpose more than 700 parking spaces for other uses while continually improving public transportation facilities.
Currently, Oslo is one of the cities with the highest use of electric vehicles in the world.
Trondheim, Norway
Trondheim is one of the densely populated cities in Norway with the best air quality in the world.
According to Airly, the air quality in Trondheim is considered good with a US AQI index of around 19.
Besides being surrounded by lush and expansive nature, this city maintains low private vehicle usage, with the majority of residents using public transportation and walking.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Despite being the largest city, the capital, and the “melting pot” of all activities in Iceland, Reykjavik is known for having the best air quality in the world.
As reported by The Travel, besides being a city with clean air, Reykjavik is also the greenest city in the world and a popular destination for international tourists seeking a serene atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of major cities.
According to IQAir, the air quality in Reykjavik is excellent with a US AQI index of around 5.
