Join 47 Million Health Workers and Advocates in the Fight for Cleaner Aid to Combat Pollution-Related Deaths

The Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health recently took place in Cartagena, Colombia, bringing together over 700 participants from around the world. Leaders, scientists, and activists aimed to face an urgent health crisis that affects millions.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened the conference with a clear message: it’s time for action, not just promises. He highlighted the urgent need for financial resources to invest in clean energy, sustainable transport, and a commitment to support vulnerable communities living in polluted areas. The goal? To cut the health impacts of air pollution by 50% by 2040.

Air pollution is a hidden health crisis. According to the WHO, it leads to seven million premature deaths each year and is currently the second biggest global risk factor for diseases, just behind hypertension. Maria Neira, WHO’s Director of Environment, Climate Change and Health, emphasized that air pollution is not only a health issue but a contributor to chronic diseases that burden healthcare systems worldwide.

Despite the challenges, there are success stories. For instance, China has made significant strides in reducing emissions while continuing to grow economically. Neira pointed out that it’s a myth that tackling climate change requires sacrificing economic growth. The two goals can go hand in hand.

Air pollution doesn’t just harm our health; it’s also linked to climate change. Burning fossil fuels contributes to both poor air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Neira stated that transitioning to cleaner energy sources can improve both health outcomes and the environment.

At the conference, Colombia shared its ambitious plans, which include adopting cleaner fuels and a target to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. President Gustavo Petro noted the silent toll of air pollution on lives, urging for smarter regulations that address health and environmental issues.

In Europe, air pollution remains a pressing concern, causing around 300,000 premature deaths each year. The European Union is responding with stricter regulations, aiming to halve air pollution limits and reduce pollution-related deaths by 30% by 2030.

The UN Economic Commission for Europe highlighted the success of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution. This agreement, in place since 1979, has helped reduce pollution across borders by implementing binding commitments and fostering trust among nations.

One of the most powerful ideas emerging from the conference is that clean air should be treated as a prescription for health. With nearly 47 million signatures from health professionals advocating for clean air, the message is clear: preventing diseases caused by air pollution can save lives.

As discussions concluded, participants left with a sense of urgency and a moral obligation to act. The air we breathe is essential for our health, and the time to make changes is now. Let’s not wait for a crisis to unfold; the benefits of clean air are within our reach.

For more information on air quality and health recommendations, visit the WHO’s air quality guidelines.

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