More than 47 million individuals globally are advocating for urgent action to combat air pollution, which causes around 7 million deaths annually. Spearheaded by the WHO, this initiative will feature prominently at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2025 to promote global commitment to cleaner air and safer health practices.
Over 47 million global citizens, including health professionals and advocates, have united in a call for immediate action against air pollution, emphasizing its detrimental health effects. Air pollution poses significant risks to human health and is a leading factor in climate change, responsible for approximately 7 million annual deaths stemming from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This global initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to address these challenges at the upcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, scheduled for March 25-27, 2025.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, highlighted the urgency of this matter, stating, “Forty-seven million people from the health community have issued a clarion call for urgent, bold, science-driven action on air pollution.” WHO is underway in supporting various countries to effectively implement evidence-based strategies to combat air pollution and its health-related consequences, particularly in conjunction with the conference.
The conference, co-hosted by WHO and the Colombian Government, aims to convene political leaders, academic representatives, and civil society to promote a cohesive global agenda for clean air, focusing on public health improvement, climate change response, and sustainable development initiatives. The call to action includes urging governments to reduce emissions, enforce rigorous air quality standards, and shift towards cleaner energy sources, ultimately enhancing both health and environmental outcomes.
Significant facts underline the perils of air pollution, revealing that both urban and rural areas suffer from fine particulate matter emissions contributing to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease and lung cancer. Furthermore, around 2.1 billion people face severe household air pollution risks due to using harmful cooking methods.
The leading causes of global NCDs, which claim approximately 41 million lives each year, are intricately linked to air pollution exposure. Mitigating air pollution emerges as a strategic approach to alleviate NCD burdens and bolster global health.
Diverse pollution sources, contextual to each region, encompass energy production, industrial waste, transport, and natural phenomena. Nonetheless, implementing established solutions can significantly improve air quality, reduce premature mortality, and stimulate sustainable economic progress while also addressing climate concerns.
Countries participating in the conference are anticipated to pledge specific actions aligned with the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines, supported by the newly released 2025 Air Quality Standards database covering nearly 140 countries.
Dr. Maria Neira, WHO’s Director for Environment, Climate Change, and Health, stressed the feasibility of achieving better air quality, stating, “While the challenge is immense, progress is possible. Many cities and countries have significantly improved air quality by enforcing stricter pollution limits.” She affirmed that clean air is a universal human right and urged collective efforts toward renewable energy and sustainable transport solutions.
The commitments established at both the upcoming conference and the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs are essential for fostering a healthier planet. Immediate action and collaborative efforts are critical to ensuring cleaner air for all, highlighting the urgency to address air pollution.
The collective call for action against air pollution emphasizes its grave health implications and links to climate change issues. With over 47 million signatories, the global health community demands regulatory changes and support for cleaner energy solutions. The upcoming conference in Cartagena presents a vital opportunity for countries to commit to necessary measures to protect public health and foster sustainable development. The partnership of international organizations underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Original Source: www.who.int
