World Bank: Air pollution deaths costing global economy $225bn a year

BusinessGreen staff
clock • 3 min read

Study concludes air pollution now the deadliest form of pollution and the fourth leading risk factor for premature deaths worldwide

Premature deaths caused by poor air quality cost the global economy around $225bn in lost labour income during 2013, according to a major new economic study published today by the World Bank and the Institute...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Risk

National Drought Group warns much of England has 'moved closer to drought status'

National Drought Group warns much of England has 'moved closer to drought status'

July saw only three per cent of the average rainfall, leading to restrictions on water use for millions of people, as water industry raises alarm over strain on supplies from data centre development

James Murray
clock 21 July 2026 • 4 min read
Paula Radcliffe urges sports industry to lead fight against air pollution

Paula Radcliffe urges sports industry to lead fight against air pollution

Three-time London Marathon winner suggests running and sports events can make the dangers of poor air quality and extreme heat more tangible

Stuart Stone
clock 16 July 2026 • 4 min read
Friendship's Runa Khan: 'Every failure taught us to think holistically'

Friendship's Runa Khan: 'Every failure taught us to think holistically'

Friendship founder and executive director reflects on winning the 2025 Earthshot Prize, and why sustainability begins with controlling one's wants

Stuart Stone
clock 14 July 2026 • 8 min read