More than 47 million people around the world—health experts, patients, and advocates—are uniting to push for urgent action against air pollution. This massive movement, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health groups, will highlight the need for change at the upcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia.
Air pollution is a significant threat to our health and a key driver of climate change. It contributes to an estimated 7 million deaths each year, primarily from respiratory and heart diseases. WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom, emphasized that the voices of millions must be heard. He stated, “We hope to see strong commitments from countries to tackle air pollution and save lives.”
Dr. Maria Neira, WHO’s Director for Environment, Climate Change and Health, acknowledged the challenge but highlighted that many places have successfully improved air quality by implementing stricter pollution guidelines. She pointed out that clean air is a human right recognized by the UN General Assembly, urging immediate action to transition from coal-fired power to renewable energy and enhance public transport options.
The conference aims to gather political leaders, civil society representatives, and researchers to promote a global agenda for clean air. The health community is urging governments to adopt ambitious measures to lower emissions, enforce stricter air quality standards, and shift towards cleaner energy sources. This proactive stance is expected to save lives and benefit both health and the planet.
In the lead-up to the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), air pollution is set to take center stage again. Countries are expected to announce clear actions, such as aligning their air quality standards with WHO’s guidelines. Recently, WHO, together with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, released updated data from around 140 countries, highlighting worldwide air pollution efforts aimed at safeguarding public health.
Air pollution can arise from various sources—everything from household smoke to industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust. Alarmingly, about 2.1 billion people are still exposed to harmful indoor air due to cooking with dirty fuels. NCDs, many linked to air quality, account for 41 million deaths globally each year. Tackling air pollution offers a critical pathway to reducing these health risks.
Improving air quality isn’t just a health issue; it’s a vital step toward building a sustainable future. Effective strategies can prevent premature deaths, boost overall health, and help combat climate change.
For more details on air pollution efforts and statistics, check out the [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int).
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