Over 47 million individuals have called for urgent action against air pollution, which leads to 7 million deaths annually. This collective push will be presented at the upcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia. WHO emphasizes the importance of transitioning to renewable energy and enforcing strict air quality standards to protect public health and mitigate climate change.
Nearly 50 million individuals worldwide, including health professionals, patients, and advocates, have united to call for urgent action against air pollution, a significant threat to public health and a major factor in climate change. Each year, air pollution leads to approximately 7 million fatalities, primarily due to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. This unprecedented collective action will be showcased at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, scheduled for March 25-27, 2025, in Cartagena, Colombia.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of addressing air pollution through evidence-based strategies. He stated, “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.” At the conference, participants hope to achieve significant commitments from countries to implement necessary measures and ultimately save lives.
The conference, held by WHO in collaboration with the Government of Colombia, will gather global leaders, civil society representatives, UN officials, and academics to foster a clean air agenda that benefits public health, climate initiatives, and sustainable development. The health community is urging governments to promptly reduce emissions, apply stricter air quality regulations, and transition to renewable energy, thereby enhancing both human and environmental health.
Air pollution will also be addressed during the 2025 UN High-Level meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which are responsible for 41 million deaths annually and are often exacerbated by poor air quality. Dr. Maria Neira, WHO’s Director for Environment, Climate Change, and Health, noted the critical need for collaborative efforts to enhance renewable energy, improve public transport, and promote clean energy solutions in health facilities.
Despite the daunting nature of the task, there are hopeful signs of progress. Several cities and nations have successfully improved air quality by implementing more stringent pollution controls. As Dr. Neira stated, “Clean air is not a privilege; it is a human right as recognized by the UN General Assembly.” The commitments undertaken at the upcoming conference and the UN meeting will significantly shape a healthier and more sustainable global future.
Currently, approximately 2.1 billion individuals face hazardous household air pollution due to the use of open flames and polluting stoves. In Kenya, pollution arises from multiple sources such as traffic, fossil fuel combustion, mining activities, and waste burning. At the conference, nations are anticipated to pledge to enforce stricter air quality standards consistent with the WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines.
The concerted effort of nearly 50 million advocates for clean air highlights the urgent need to combat air pollution for better health outcomes worldwide. With impending global conferences, there is an opportunity for governments to commit to stringent air quality standards, transition to renewable energy, and implement effective policies against pollution. As air quality directly impacts public health, decisive actions must be taken collectively to ensure a healthier and sustainable future for all individuals.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
