In a recent and unexpected turn of events, tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson abruptly left a podcast hosted by Nikhil Kamath —a moment that quickly became a focal point in the discussion around air quality in India. The incident unfolded when the hotel room’s air quality was measured, revealing an AQI of 120, a level classified as “Poor.” This dramatic exit not only grabbed headlines but also served as a wake-up call, drawing widespread attention to the persistent challenges of air pollution in India. Here is the India vs US Air Quality Comparison to understand the condition.
When in India, I did end this podcast early due to the bad air quality. @nikhilkamathcio was a gracious host and we were having a great time. The problem was that the room we were in circulated outside air which made the air purifier I’d brought with me ineffective.
Inside,… https://t.co/xTkpW567Xv
— Bryan Johnson /dd (@bryan_johnson) February 3, 2025
Is air quality in India as concerning as it is in the United States? The answer lies in the stark contrast between the two nations. To understand the pressing issue, we’ve analyzed graphical representations comparing air quality in India and the US. Moreover, a five-year comparison has been incorporated to provide insights into long-term pollution trends and exposure in both countries. Let’s dive into the data to understand the severity of the situation.
Global Air Quality 2024: AQI Levels of India and US
Here is the comparison between India and the U.S. highlights a pressing issue that cannot be ignored. Let’s start with the air quality conditions around the world.
Key Takeaways
- India’s AQI: 111 (Unhealthy for sensitive groups)
- US AQI: 32 (Good air quality)
- Most Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, and China, show high AQI. North America, Europe, and Oceania have relatively better air quality, while South Asia experiences severe pollution.
- WHO Standard: Only 7.6% of cities worldwide meet the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³, with Asia having one of the lowest compliance rates at 2.3%.
- In 2024, none of the cities in India (0.0%) met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline, while only 12.4% of cities in the United States achieved the same standard.
India vs. United States AQI Trends Overview (2020-2024)
India’s Air Quality Trends:
- 2020 to 2021: AQI decreased by 9.24%.
- 2021 to 2022: AQI increased by 10.19%.
- 2022 to 2023: AQI decreased by 6.72% but pollution levels are still high.
- 2023 to 2024: No change in AQI, pollution stayed the same.
United States Air Quality Trends:
- 2020 to 2021: No change in AQI.
- 2021 to 2022: AQI decreased by 2.86%.
- 2022 to 2023: AQI increased by 2.94%.
- 2023 to 2024: AQI decreased by 8.57%.
India’s annual average AQI stands at 113 compared to the United States’ 33—meaning India’s air quality is roughly 3.42 times higher in pollution levels.
AQI 2024 – US vs India
- India: Only 4 months recorded “Moderate” AQI levels in 2024, other months remained in the “Poor” category.
- US: Throughout the year 2024, AQI levels in the United States remained under 40 and in the “Good” category.
Top 10 Polluted Cities of India and US-2024 World AQI Ranking
- Top 10 Indian cities ranked as the most polluted cities in the world. The annual average AQI levels in the top 7 cities remained in the “Unhealthy” category. Each month of 2024 is recorded in the above AQI levels from the “Good” category.
- All the US top 10 cities ranked in between of 1000+ to 2000. Top 9 cities recorded the “Moderate” annual average AQI levels in 2024.
Top 10 most polluted cities in India and US-2024
- India’s most polluted city, New Delhi (AQI 169), is nearly 3x worse than the most polluted U.S. city, Port Isabel (AQI 62).
- All top 10 most polluted cities in India are also the most polluted cities in the world.
Metro Cities of India and US: A Five-Year Comparison
Let’s compare the AQI trends in major metro cities from India and the United States over the last five years.
Indian metro cities have consistently experienced high AQI levels as more than 50 “Good” category over the past five years.
US metro cities have remained under 50 AQI, the “Good” air quality category over the last five years.
AQI in Top Metro Cities in India and US-2024
India (2024): Annual PM2.5: 48 µg/m³
- Annual Cigarette Equivalent: 796 cigarettes
United States (2024): Annual PM2.5: 7 µg/m³
- Annual Cigarette Equivalent: 116 cigarettes
Conclusion
This India vs US Air Quality Comparison reveals a pronounced disparity in air quality between the United States and India—from a global overview down to monthly national trends and city-specific data. While the US maintains AQI values that align with WHO recommendations, India’s figures consistently indicate higher levels of pollution, particularly in its urban centers. This analysis not only underscores the environmental challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing regions in India but also serves as a call to action for policymakers and citizens alike to work toward cleaner air and healthier communities.
