Urgent Call to Action: Health Community Demands Clean Air Solutions Ahead of WHO Conference

As the Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health approaches in March 2025, there’s an urgent plea for clean air. The global health community is calling on governments, business leaders, and policy-makers to take swift action. Air pollution claims at least 7 million lives each year. Most of these deaths result from noncommunicable diseases, like heart problems and lung cancer.

Dr. Maria Neira from WHO describes air pollution as a “silent killer.” Despite some efforts, trends in air quality have barely changed over the last decade, affecting our health with every breath we take. “Leaders must make bold commitments,” she says. The health community is dedicated to protecting our future, but we need everyone to join this fight for clean air.

The encouraging news is that we can prevent these air pollution-related deaths. Health professionals, advocates, and community organizations are demanding strong actions from leaders. Clean air is a basic human right and essential for everyone’s well-being.

In 2019, the global health costs related to air pollution reached an alarming $8.1 trillion. Even though the world is paying dearly for these health impacts, less than 1% of global development aid is directed toward improving air quality in low- and middle-income countries, where vulnerable populations live.

Astrid Puentes Riaño, UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment, stresses the importance of clean air: “Breathing clean air is essential for everyone.” She calls on both governments and businesses to act quickly and effectively to guarantee it.

Now is the time to address this crisis. Investing in cleaner air is not just the right thing to do; it’s also a smart economic choice. It can lower healthcare costs, boost productivity, and promote sustainable development while helping to mitigate climate change. Here are some key actions needed from world leaders and stakeholders:

• **Enforce strong measures**: Governments should implement strict air quality standards and reduce emissions right at the source.
• **Transition to clean energy**: A fair and equitable shift from fossil fuels is essential, ensuring everyone has access to clean energy.
• **Enhance monitoring**: Improving air quality monitoring systems can help effectively tackle pollution challenges.
• **Increase funding**: Both domestic and international funding must prioritize clean air initiatives on global and national agendas.
• **Promote collaboration**: Support interdisciplinary projects to empower communities to combat air pollution together.

The health community is committed to advocating for these urgent measures. Clean air isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. We can no longer afford to wait.

The upcoming WHO’s Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, from March 25–27, 2025, will be a pivotal moment. Leaders, experts, and advocates will gather to discuss solutions to the air pollution crisis. This is a crucial chance for governments to commit to transformative actions that will protect public health and the environment for future generations.

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