Over 47 million health professionals, patients, advocates, and individuals worldwide have come together to demand immediate action to combat air pollution and protect human health
This call for action has been led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and various international health organisations and is further expected to be presented at the upcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, scheduled for March 25–27, 2025, in Cartagena, Colombia.
Its time to combat air pollution: The global threat
Air pollution continues to be one of the most significant environmental threats to human health, contributing to millions of premature deaths each year.
The World Health Organization estimates that around 7 million people die annually due to air pollution, with the majority of deaths linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
These health issues are often the result of exposure to delicate particulate matter found in both urban and rural environments, emphasising the widespread impact of poor air quality.
Taking a stand against air pollution’s harmful effects
The global health community urges governments worldwide to take proactive and immediate steps to reduce air pollution and its harmful effects.
Key actions are expected to include stricter air quality regulations, stronger enforcement of existing standards, and a transition to cleaner renewable energy sources.
Addressing air pollution is not only seen as essential for reducing the health burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer, but also as a critical strategy for tackling the global climate crisis.
Household air pollution
Part of this call to action is the recognition that air pollution affects billions of people, particularly those in low-income communities where households rely on polluting fuels for cooking.
According to WHO, approximately 2.1 billion people are exposed to dangerous levels of household air pollution, arising from open fires and stoves. This further worsens the risks associated with air pollution, contributing to a significant public health burden that disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations.
The Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health will bring together political leaders, civil society organisations, UN agencies, and experts from academia to forge a global agenda for clean air. The conference hopes to create momentum for implementing evidence-based solutions that improve public health and address air pollution’s environmental and economic challenges.
In addition to addressing the immediate health impacts, the conference will focus on the long-term benefits of improved air quality. Experts stress that transitioning to cleaner energy sources, expanding public transportation, and promoting clean cooking technologies are all achievable goals that would result in cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable planet.
Many cities and countries worldwide have significantly reduced air pollution by enforcing stricter emissions standards and adopting cleaner technologies. This proves that large-scale air quality improvements are possible with the right policies and commitment.
Working together to tackle air pollution
The call for action comes ahead of the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), where world leaders will be expected to make strong commitments to combat air pollution as part of a broader strategy to address the global NCD epidemic.
With 41 million deaths due to NCDs annually, many of which are linked to environmental factors like air pollution, urgent action is needed to protect both people’s health and the planet.
Improving air quality is seen as a key component in reducing the disease burden and improving global health outcomes. The WHO’s updated 2025 Air Quality Standards database, which includes data from around 140 countries, highlights the need for stronger air quality regulations to safeguard public health. Clean air, experts argue, is not a privilege but a human right, a fundamental necessity for well-being and development.
