Can Pollution Predict Mortality or Reflect Economic Growth?
Students Team World Air Analysts from Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, explored this important question in their Curiosity Cup 2025 project by analyzing data from the World Health Organization and Eurostat using SAS OnDemand for Academics. And they made it to the best 15 finalist teams, congratulations!
What did they explore?
- Data from over 32,000 entries across major cities worldwide from the years 2000 to 2021
- The link between air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, NO₂), mortality rates, and GDP
Their key analysis:
- Correlation analysis revealed a strong link between PM2.5 and PM10, indicating shared pollution sources.
- ANOVA showed significant differences in PM2.5 levels across WHO regions, with Southeast Asia being the most affected.
- GDP vs. NO₂ ratio exposed pollution-intensive industries in countries like Sweden, France, and Luxembourg.
- Surprisingly, mortality rates showed no strong direct correlation with pollution levels in the current models.
While GDP and pollution are connected, the impact of pollution on mortality requires more nuanced research. Future work could dig deeper into how specific causes of death relate to pollution exposure.
A great use of data to understand the real-world impact of air quality, very well done!
The team was formed by Mózes Császár, Andra Ursa, and their Faculty Advisor, Horea Grebla.
See their full paper, including graphs attached above, just below the main headline.
