Global Air Pollution Crisis: 7.9 Million Deaths in 2023 with India and China Leading Mortality Rates

Oct 24, 2025 03:21 pm CST

The latest State of Global Air report reveals air pollution caused 7.9 million deaths worldwide in 2023, making it the second leading cause of premature mortality. India and China each recorded over 2 million deaths, while research shows strong links between air pollution and various health conditions including dementia, heart disease, and diabetes. About 36% of the global population is exposed to dangerous PM2.5 levels, with 90% of pollution-related deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.