Global Call for Action Against Air Pollution: Over 47 Million Unite for Health
Over 47 million global health professionals and advocates have signed a call for urgent action against air pollution, which causes about 7 million deaths each year due to various health issues. This initiative, led by the WHO, will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in March 2025. The health community is urging immediate action to enforce stricter air quality standards and transition to cleaner energy solutions.
In a remarkable display of solidarity, over 47 million health professionals, patients, advocates, and representatives from civil society organizations have united to demand immediate action against air pollution and its harmful effects on health. Recognized as a critical environmental hazard, air pollution is responsible for approximately seven million annual deaths due to various respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
This global initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) alongside international health organizations, will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, scheduled for March 25-27, 2025, in Cartagena, Colombia. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, emphasized the necessity of this call: “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.”
The conference, hosted by the WHO and the Government of Colombia, aims to rally political leaders, civil society representatives, UN agencies, and academia to establish a global clean air agenda that promotes public health, addresses climate change, and fosters sustainable development. Given the drastic toll of air pollution, stakeholders are urged to adopt immediate and ambitious measures, enforce stricter air quality standards, and switch to cleaner energy solutions.
Air pollution contributes significantly to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease and lung cancer, leading to 41 million global deaths each year. Key facts reveal that 2.1 billion individuals are subjected to dangerous household air pollution, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Major pollution sources encompass both human activities, such as energy production and transport, and natural events including dust storms.
Implementing viable strategies to enhance air quality can greatly reduce premature mortality and advance public health while simultaneously combating climate change. During the upcoming conference, nations are anticipated to affirm commitments to improving air quality standards in line with WHO guidelines. Furthermore, WHO has recently updated its Air Quality Standards database, now reflecting regulatory efforts from around 140 countries.
Dr. Maria Neira, WHO’s Director for Environment, Climate Change, and Health, remarked, “While the challenge is immense, progress is possible.” She asserted that clean air is a fundamental human right, urging collective actions to promote renewable energy and cleaner transport options. The commitments made at the conference and the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs will be instrumental in ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future.
In summary, the collective call for action against air pollution from over 47 million individuals highlights the urgency of addressing this critical health issue. The forthcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health seeks to galvanize global efforts to improve air quality, thereby enhancing health outcomes and combating climate change. Concrete commitments from governments and stakeholders will be essential in achieving a sustainable and healthier world for all.
Original Source: www.who.int
