Global Initiative Seeks Action Against Air Pollution to Safeguard Public Health

Over 47 million people have united to advocate for urgent action against air pollution, a leading cause of global health issues, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This initiative will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in March 2025. The conference aims to galvanize commitments from governments to enhance air quality standards and implement sustainable solutions to combat air pollution and its harmful effects on health.

In a remarkable display of solidarity, over 47 million health professionals, patients, advocates, and individuals globally have called for immediate action to mitigate air pollution and safeguard public health. This initiative highlights the severe impact of air pollution, which contributes to approximately 7 million deaths annually, primarily due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The global petition, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and various international health organizations, will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, scheduled for March 25-27, 2025. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgency for science-driven actions to combat air pollution, noting that WHO supports countries in utilizing evidence-based strategies to address this critical issue.

The conference, co-hosted by WHO and the Government of Colombia, aims to unite political leaders, civil organizations, UN agencies, and academia in promoting an agenda for clean air that benefits public health, combats climate change, and fosters sustainable development. The health community urges governments to implement ambitious strategies that reduce emissions, enforce air quality standards, and transition to cleaner energy sources, thereby enhancing public health and environmental sustainability.

Key statistics highlight the gravity of air pollution: it plays a significant role in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer. Around 2.1 billion people suffer from dangerous household air pollution due to the use of polluting stoves. Each year, NCDs linked to air pollution claim about 41 million lives globally, making air quality improvement a vital strategy for reducing NCD incidence and enhancing health worldwide.

Major air pollution sources are numerous and contextual, ranging from household energy use, industrial output, and transportation to natural phenomena like desert dust storms. Implementing tested solutions to enhance air quality can prevent premature deaths, promote health, stimulate economic growth, and mitigate climate change effects.

At the forthcoming conference, participating countries are anticipated to announce commitments to enforce stronger air quality standards in line with WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines. The updated WHO 2025 Air Quality Standards database now encapsulates data from around 140 countries, illustrating efforts to curb air pollution and protect health. Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change and Health, stated that despite the immense challenge, significant progress is attainable by stricter regulations on pollution.

The commitments made at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, alongside the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, are pivotal for fostering a healthier, sustainable future. The call to action for cleaner air must be heeded promptly.

The call to action emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration among global leaders to address air pollution effectively. With over 47 million individuals advocating for change, the upcoming conference provides a critical opportunity for nations to commit to necessary actions that prioritize public health and environmental sustainability. Cleaner air is essential for a healthier future, and immediate steps are required to realize this goal.

Original Source: www.who.int