How much is air pollution costing the world? Premature deaths resulting from air pollution cost the global economy some USD 225 bn in lost labor income in 2013 alone, according to a 2016 World Bank study (pdf). “That is about the size of the gross domestic product of India, Canada, and Mexico combined — and a sobering wake-up call.” Although it is already stark, this figure does not account for the increased cost of healthcare to address pollution-related illnesses, or the impact on natural ecosystems, for example.

In developing countries especially, the impact is severe, where the health risk is greatest and development is hindered: “By causing illness and premature death, air pollution reduces the quality of life. By causing a loss of productive labor, it also reduces incomes in these countries. Air pollution can have a lasting effect on productivity in other ways as well — for example, by stunting plant growth and reducing the productivity of agriculture, and by making cities less attractive to talented workers, thereby reducing cities’ competitiveness.” Citizens in poorer countries are also more likely to live and work in polluted areas, and are less likely to have the tools to shield themselves from exposure to pollution, notes the study.