Nearly 50 million individuals have signed a petition advocating for urgent action to combat air pollution, which leads to 7 million deaths yearly. This call to action, led by the WHO, will be presented at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, from March 25-27, 2025. The health community urges governments to adopt strict standards and clean energy solutions to mitigate the dire consequences of air pollution.
Nearly 50 million individuals, including health professionals, patients, and advocates, have united to demand urgent action against air pollution, which poses significant health risks and contributes to climate change. Each year, approximately 7 million people die due to air pollution-related ailments such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This grassroots mobilization, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and international health groups, will be officially presented at the upcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Cartagena, Colombia, on March 25-27, 2025.
In a recent press statement, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the organization’s support for implementing evidence-based approaches to combat air pollution. He articulated the need for action, stating, “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, co-hosted by WHO and the Colombian government, aims to unite political leaders, civil society, and academic representatives to forge a global agenda for clean air, which encompasses public health benefits, climate action, and sustainable development. The health sector urges governments to undertake immediate and ambitious measures to curb emissions, enhance air quality regulations, and transition toward cleaner energy sources, thereby benefiting both public health and the environment.
With air pollution’s adverse effects being a pressing concern, this issue will also be addressed in advance of the 2025 UN High-Level meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are responsible for 41 million deaths annually and are often exacerbated by air pollution exposure. Tackling air pollution is crucial for mitigating the NCD burden and enhancing global health outcomes.
Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change, and Health, highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to transition from coal to renewable energy sources, expand sustainable transport, establish low-emission zones, and promote clean cooking energy. She remarked, “While the challenge is immense, progress is possible. Many cities and countries have significantly improved air quality by enforcing stricter pollution limits. Clean air is not a privilege; it is a human right as recognized by the UN General Assembly.”
The upcoming Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health and the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs are poised to be pivotal in fostering commitments that strive for a healthier, sustainable future. The time for action to secure clean air for all is now. Globally, 2.1 billion individuals are subjected to hazardous household air pollution from burning fuels for cooking. In Kenya, particulate matter—a significant pollutant—stems from various sources, including vehicular emissions, fossil fuel combustion, and waste burning.
During the conference, participating countries are anticipated to commit to actionable strategies, including the establishment and enforcement of robust air quality standards in line with WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines.
In conclusion, the overwhelming support for clean air initiatives underscores the urgency of addressing air pollution and its severe health impacts. With millions advocating for action, the forthcoming conferences provide a crucial platform for dialogue and commitment. The collaboration among international health authorities, various sectors, and governments is essential to implement effective measures and promote a healthier environment for future generations.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
