Over 47 million health professionals and advocates unite to demand action against air pollution, which causes 7 million deaths annually. The call will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in March 2025. Key actions include reducing emissions and enforcing air quality standards.
In a remarkable demonstration of solidarity, over 47 million health professionals, advocates, and concerned citizens worldwide have united to demand urgent action against air pollution. This significant initiative addresses a critical public health issue, as air pollution is linked to approximately 7 million annual deaths due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken the lead in this global movement, planning to present the collective call at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, which will take place in Cartagena, Colombia, from March 25-27, 2025. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized, “Forty-seven million people from the health community have issued a clarion call for urgent, bold, science-driven action on air pollution, and their voices must be heard.” This highlights the urgent need for countries to adopt evidence-based measures to combat air pollution and its health impacts.
The upcoming conference, co-hosted by WHO and the Colombian government, will gather political leaders, civil society representatives, and academic experts to establish a robust agenda for clean air that emphasizes public health, climate change, and sustainable development. The health community urges governments to take decisive steps, including reducing emissions, enforcing stringent air quality standards, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, in order to alleviate the severe health impacts of air pollution.
Some key facts reflect the devastating reach of air pollution: fine particulate matter contributes to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), with approximately 2.1 billion individuals exposed to hazardous household air pollution. Globally, NCDs account for 41 million deaths each year, making the address of air pollution a fundamental aspect of improving public health.
The sources of air pollution are varied, including household energy use, industrial emissions, transportation, and natural phenomena. Implementing known solutions to enhance air quality holds the potential to prevent premature deaths, promote health, and facilitate sustainable economic progress while mitigating climate change. Countries are expected to adopt concrete commitments at the conference to align with WHO’s Global Air Quality Guidelines.
Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change, and Health, affirms that “while the challenge is immense, progress is possible. Many cities and countries have significantly improved air quality by enforcing stricter pollution limits.” Clean air is framed as a fundamental human right, urging collaborative urgency to replace coal-fired energy with renewable sources, expand sustainable transportation, and enhance clean energy access.
The commitments made at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, along with the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, will be pivotal in directing efforts towards a healthier and more sustainable future. There is an immediate need for collective action to ensure cleaner air globally.
In summary, the landmark initiative led by over 47 million individuals calls for urgent action against air pollution to safeguard health worldwide. The upcoming conference in Cartagena presents a vital opportunity for countries to commit to actionable measures in combating air pollution, with emphasis placed on immediate government intervention, regulatory enforcement, and a shift toward sustainable energy practices. The collaborative efforts highlighted are crucial to enhance public health and address the environmental challenges we face today.
Original Source: www.who.int
