By IPS
In Cartagena, Colombia, a significant event took place: the second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health. From March 24 to 28, 2025, over 700 participants gathered to discuss a pressing issue—air pollution. This includes health professionals, scientists, and environmental activists, all united by a common concern.
Recently, an impressive 47 million people signed a petition urging governments worldwide to prioritize air quality. This petition reflects a growing demand for action against pollution, which is now considered a public health crisis. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), it is time for leaders to transition from promises to real action. He emphasized that achieving clean air requires investments in sustainable solutions and strong enforcement of air quality guidelines.
The overarching goal of the conference attendees is to cut the health impacts of air pollution by 50% by 2040. This mission calls for bold commitments from governments to reduce emissions and implement measures that mitigate climate change. During discussions, Colombian President Gustavo Petro highlighted a shocking statistic: air pollution leads to more deaths than violence in Colombia. For every 100,000 Colombians, 34 die from pollution-related illnesses.
In Europe, the situation is equally urgent. Air pollution is responsible for about 300,000 premature deaths each year. Javier Lopez, Vice President of the European Parliament’s Environmental Commission, described air pollution as an “invisible pandemic” that warrants urgent attention. European lawmakers are pushing for stricter regulations to tackle this ongoing crisis.
The conference also fostered international collaboration. Countries like Brazil, China, Spain, and the United Kingdom are developing road maps to address air quality. A notable commitment came from C40 cities, representing 97 of the world’s largest urban centers, pledging to improve air quality monitoring and invest in clean air strategies.
Statistics from the WHO reveal that air pollution claims seven million lives annually, making it the second most significant risk factor for disease globally, after hypertension. Maria Neira, WHO’s Director of Environment, Climate Change, and Health, stated that air pollution is currently the leading cause of chronic illness and places immense pressure on healthcare systems worldwide.
The urgency for clean air cannot be overstated. The actions taken today will shape the future of public health. Everyone has a role in this fight, and as the global community rallies for change, the hope is that air quality will finally receive the attention it deserves.
You can find more detailed insights about air pollution and global health at the WHO’s official report: WHO Air Pollution Fact Sheet.
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