Air pollution levels by three different causes across four countries in 2021

The bar chart illustrates the levels of air pollution measured in PPM across four nations—China, America, Japan, and Australia—categorised by three distinct sources: electricity generation, transport, and industry in 2021.

Overall, it is evident that China experiences the most significant air pollution, with industry being the primary contributor. Conversely, Australia maintains the lowest and most stable emission levels across all three sectors.

China leads in all categories, with industrial pollution reaching a peak of 80 PPM, followed by transport at 70 PPM and electricity generation at 59 PPM. America shows a different pattern, where transport is the most significant source of pollution at 58 PPM, nearly double the levels recorded for electricity generation (31 PPM) and industry (29 PPM).

In contrast, Japan’s pollution levels are more moderate, with industry contributing the most at 43 PPM, while transport and electricity generation account for 30 PPM and 16 PPM, respectively. Australia presents the most uniform profile, with all three sectors contributing almost equally to air pollution, recording 19 PPM for electricity generation and 18 PPM for both transport and industry. Overall, the data highlights a stark contrast between the high industrial and transport emissions in China and America compared to the lower, balanced levels in Australia.