The article presents a comparative characteristic of the cities of Izhevsk and Khabarovsk according to different criteria, an assessment of atmospheric air quality according to the atmospheric pollution index (ISA) and its dynamics, and an improved atmospheric dispersion index (UMP) is calculated. According to most indicators, the cities are very similar and comparable, with the exception of emissions from stationary sources, which are 3-4 times higher in Khabarovsk. The UMP of the city of Izhevsk corresponds to a zone with favorable conditions for the dispersion of impurities, however, the indicators are close to the boundary of this criterion (UMP ≥ 3.5), in the city of Khabarovsk favorable conditions for the dispersion of impurities. This explains why, with emissions many times higher, the emissions in both cities are at comparable levels.

Keywords: atmospheric Pollution Index (ISA), improved atmospheric dispersion index (UMP), pollution, atmosphere, sustainable development