Least Improved Cities

Cairo
The problems of Africa's most populous city are typical of a rapidly growing industrial city. The smoke and suspended particle content of Cairo's air far exceeds WHO standards. Comprised mainly of natural dust from the desert, emissions from industries such as cement production contribute. Increased vehicular traffic, coupled with the use of leaded petrol, results in high concentrations of lead in the air. Cairo's power stations continue to burn fuel oil and emit high levels of sulphur dioxide. Egypt also suffers from poor sanitation systems. Only 23 percent of the urban population have access to sanitation services.

Delhi
With an estimated population of 8.62 million and an increasing industrial output, Worldwatch experts predict that Delhi's air quality will deteriorate over the next decade. Any improvement due to changes in fuel use is negated by increasing traffic congestion, industrial expansion, and persistent dust storms.

Mexico City
Motor vehicles are the main contributors to the city's environmental woes. Until 1990, emissions standards for vehicles were extremely loose, resulting in high levels of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, the raw material of smog. While a 1993 law established more stringent standards for newly produced cars, widespread poverty results in a low car turnover rate; the average car in Mexico City is ten years old. While the two power plants in the area have switched to natural gas, and PEMEX, the major refinery, was closed due to environmental abuses, industrial pollution continues almost unchecked. The use of fuel oil and diesel contributes to high levels of sulphur dioxide, often exceeding WHO limits.

In the early 1990s, the Comprehensive Pollution Control Program was developed to combat Mexico City's swiftly mounting pollution problems. However, according to Worldwatch, the city will never regain the air quality it sustained 50 years ago.

Karachi
The largest city in Pakistan, Karachi is undergoing a population boom at a time when its commercial and domestic practices are antithetical to environmental health. The nation's power stations still rely on heavy fuel oil, a potent source of polluting agents. The motor vehicle population is growing 2.5 times faster than the population. Despite the city's coastal location, its desert climate results in a high concentration of airborne dust and other particulate matter.

Beijing
Beijing enjoys an absence of motor traffic because of the popularity of bicycles and public transit. However, its domestic and commercial dependence on coal poses serious health risks. High levels of sulphur dioxide and dust as well as carbon monoxide are found both in the home and in the environment.

Beijing is now converting from coal to liquid petroleum and natural gas. Central heating plants now under construction are offering opportunities for stricter emissions control. However, both population and industrial output are n the rise.

Most Improved
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