Pollution powerhouses: 5 of the 6 most-polluting cities in the world are in China, reveals COP29 report

Climate Trace, an organization co-founded by Al Gore, uses satellite and ground-based observations, alongside artificial intelligence, to track and quantify emissions of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The data, unveiled at COP29, highlights the most significant global polluters. (Photo: Agencies)

Shanghai, China, is the most polluting city globally, emitting 256 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, surpassing the emissions of entire countries like Colombia or Norway. Shanghai's high emissions are largely due to its extensive manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors. (Photo: Agencies)

Japan's capital city Tokyo ranks second with 250 million metric tons of emissions, positioning it within the top 40 nations for greenhouse gas pollution if it were a country. (Photo: Agencies)

United States' economic hotspot, New York City, emits a total of 160 million metric tons, placing it among the top 50 for countrywide emissions, highlighting its significant contribution to global pollution. (Photo: Agencies)

Houston, Texas, emits 150 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, placing it high on the global pollution scale, comparable to the emissions of entire nations. The state's Permian Basin, a major fossil fuel extraction site, is one of the largest contributors to global pollution, amplifying its significant environmental impact. (Photo: Agencies)

Seoul, the capital of South Korea and a major hub of production, ranks fifth globally for pollution, emitting 142 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. (Photo: Agencies)