Over 47 million health professionals and advocates have called for urgent action on air pollution to protect health globally. Air pollution is responsible for around 7 million deaths annually, mainly from respiratory diseases. This global movement will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, in March 2025, where significant commitments for cleaner air are anticipated.
In an extraordinary demonstration of solidarity, over 47 million individuals, comprising health professionals, patients, advocates, and civil society representatives globally, have urgently called for action to mitigate air pollution and safeguard public health. Air pollution poses significant environmental threats to human health, contributing to approximately 7 million annual deaths, primarily due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
This unified movement is spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, scheduled for March 25-27, 2025. “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,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. He emphasized WHO’s commitment to assist countries in implementing evidence-based interventions to combat air pollution effectively.
Hosted by WHO in partnership with the Government of Colombia, the upcoming conference aims to unite political leaders, civil society representatives, UN agencies, and academia to advance a global agenda for clean air. This agenda promises significant advantages for public health, responses to climate change, and sustainable development initiatives globally and locally. Immediate action is encouraged, including reducing emissions, enforcing strict air quality standards, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources to enhance health outcomes.
Key facts indicate that air pollution generates fine particulate matter that contributes to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer. Approximately 2.1 billion people are at risk due to hazardous household air pollution from relying on polluting stoves. NCDs are among the highest mortality causes, leading to 41 million deaths annually and linking to air pollution exposure.
Various sources contribute to air pollution, including domestic energy use, industrial emissions, transportation, agriculture, and natural disasters. Improving air quality through established solutions will not only prevent premature fatalities but also promote health and facilitate sustainable economic development. Countries attending the conference will likely commit to stronger air quality measures aligned with WHO guidelines.
“While the challenge is immense, progress is possible. Many cities and countries have significantly improved air quality by enforcing stricter pollution limits,” remarked Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change and Health. She further reinforced that clean air is a fundamental human right as recognized by the UN General Assembly, calling for collective efforts to transition to renewable energy and adopt sustainable transportation.
The collective call to action by over 47 million individuals highlights the urgent need for global leaders to prioritize measures against air pollution. The upcoming conference is pivotal in establishing concrete commitments from countries to enhance air quality, thereby improving public health and addressing climate challenges. Immediate and strategic actions are essential to ensure cleaner air and protect the health of future generations.
Original Source: www.who.int
