Top 10 Dirtiest Cities In The World

Looking after our surroundings or the city that we live in is a collective responsibility that is sometimes aided by programs under the government. However, the selfish attitude of certain individuals with regard to their surroundings and the failure of the local authority to combat illegal activities can truly have an impact on our environment.

We have witnessed mankind's biggest plague and if it were to be kept ongoing as it is, this problem will become an impossible task to overcome turning the place into a huge dumping area.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 10 dirtiest cities in the world based on the Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score.

10. Brazzaville, Congo (Score: 39.1)

With a score value of 39.1, Brazzaville city of Congo ranks as the 10th dirtiest city in the world. Air pollution from gas emissions of cars and factories around as well as lacking access to clean water due to the improper sewage system contributes to the destruction of the environment in this city.

Every aspect of this pollution has deprived the locals to have an even shorter life span.

9. Almati, Kazakhstan (Score:39.1)

The index score of Almati city of Kazakhstan is somewhat similar to Brazzaville as the situation is considered the same. The combination of petroleum-based activities and the lack of protection against pollution have caused an environmental crisis that is worsening in this city.

The proper removal of toxic waste requires huge funds to improve but will cost severely if left hanging.

8. Baghdad, Iraq (Score 39)

The bad quality of water in Baghdad has caused a threat to the locals while also causing diseases to be easily transmitted. Cholera is rampant in this city with it causing many deaths in 2007.

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The United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) stated that air pollution is because of the burning of fuel and the non-stop war that needs to be given attention. In 2012, Baghdad was listed as one of the most uninhabited areas in the world.

7. Mumbai, India (Score 38.2)

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra with a population of over 20 million people making it the 8th most populated city in the world. The city of Mumbai has a bad reputation for waste removal, low air quality, and noise pollution.

Just looking at the picture, you can tell how dire the situation is. The government of India hoped to change Mumbai into a developed metropolis after its recent economic downturn. Some of the plans include infrastructure, pollution control, and an economic growth strategy.

6. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Score: 37.9)

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and an African city with a population of over 5 million people. Due to many people having little to no access to clean toilets, the waste is simply scattered all over the environment.

This led to the transmission of diseases from the water, a higher rate of death among babies, and a lower life span. The city is dwelling with the worst sanitation problem in the world.

5. Mexico City, Mexico (Score: 37.7)

Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico and is one of the most crucial financial centers in South America. With a population of over 22 million people, the city is notoriously known for air and road pollution.

The most dangerous time of the year for air pollution will be in November and May when toxic smoke is estimated to be the cause of death of thousands of people. The geographical location of Mexico in the center of volcanic mountains has made the situation worst making fogs a common thing to see.

4. Port au Prince, Haiti (Score: 34)

The city that can be found in the Caribbean is the capital of Haiti. The population of this metropolitan city is 3 million which is half of the nation's population.

As violence and bribery are among other problems in this city, air, and water pollution is also at a dangerous level. Functioning as one of the main ports on Hispaniola Island, Port au Price is the center of the economy of Haiti.

The city produces around 5,000 tonnes of waste each day and several sources estimated that the public service only handles 7% of those waste.

3. Antananarivo, Madagascar (Score: 30.1)

The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo is a highland in the middle of the Island. Some of the common problems of this city ranges from air to water pollution, improper waste removal, and the development of a green city that is not satisfying.

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The rapid growth of the industries in this city is among the major contributors to air pollution, deforestation, and contaminated water.

2. Dhaka, Bangladesh (Score: 29.6)

Dhaka located in South Asia between India and Myanmar is the capital of Bangladesh that are facing an ongoing crisis of water pollution. The water surface is commonly filled with diseases and contamination from commercial pesticides.

The factories here release more than 9.8 million tonnes of green gases into the air each year due to old technologies still being used, poor law enforcement around, and the lack of corporate responsibility.

With a population of more than 160 million people living in a small country, the initiative to clean the whole city is going to take a lot of hard work. Dhaka is also struggling with bad traffic flow that never ends.

1. Baku, Azerbaijan (Score: 27.6)

If you are not involved in the oil and gas industry then there would be no reason for you to live here. Azerbaijan has long been an oil hub and due to that Baku has been contaminated with polluted water, puddles of oil, and air pollution that can cause serious harm to your health.

This is the effect of the drilling and transportation of oil in the city. Ultimately this affects Baku's reputation as one of the most unique architectural designs of the 21st century.

Source:

• Explore

• HubPages

• Mercer

Also read: The Tragic History of Nauru - From Rich to Poor