At the conclusion of the second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health, more than 50 countries, cities, and organizations pledged to cut the health impacts of air pollution by 50% by 2040. The event, held in Cartagena, Colombia, brought together over 700 participants, including government officials, UN agencies, researchers, and civil society representatives.
India reaffirmed its commitment to this global goal, aligning its efforts with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Aakash Shrivastava, representing India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the country’s dedication to improving air quality through enhanced disease surveillance, promoting cleaner cooking fuels for vulnerable communities, and equipping healthcare professionals to protect at-risk populations.
However, a recent report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests, and Climate Change revealed that a significant portion of funds earmarked for pollution control—₹858 crore (27.44% of the revised annual budget for 2024-25)—remains unspent.
Global Commitments for Cleaner Air
The conference saw multiple nations outlining their air pollution reduction strategies:
- Spain committed to achieving a carbon-neutral healthcare system by 2050 through emission reduction, cross-sector collaboration, and innovation.
- The UK and Northern Ireland pledged to lead the Forum for International Cooperation on Air Pollution (FICAP), set stringent PM2.5 targets, and revise their Air Quality Strategy to enhance public awareness and address inequalities. Additionally, the UK committed to supporting the Africa Clean Air Programme.
- Brazil plans to enhance interministerial cooperation, introduce a National Air Quality Policy, revise air quality standards in line with WHO guidelines, and track pollution-related mortality.
- China emphasized its dedication to stricter air quality regulations, advanced health protection systems, and strengthened international cooperation, aligning with its environmental and climate targets for 2030, 2050, and 2060.
On behalf of C40 Cities, a global network of nearly 100 major cities, London’s Deputy Mayor Mete Coban voiced support for WHO’s 2040 target. He urged governments to increase investments in clean air initiatives, bolster air quality monitoring, and acknowledge cities as crucial partners in clean air policymaking.
In addition, the Clean Air Fund (CAF) announced an additional $90 million investment over the next two years to advance climate and health-related initiatives.
Call for Immediate Action
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the urgency of tackling air pollution, emphasizing the need for financial commitments to sustainable energy, improved enforcement of air quality guidelines, and targeted interventions to protect vulnerable communities. Colombian President Gustavo Petro echoed these concerns, describing air pollution as a silent killer that claims more lives than violence.
WHO’s Director for Public Health and Environment, Maria Neira, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to helping nations transform these pledges into tangible actions.
With this collective effort, world leaders and organizations aim to save millions of lives and ensure cleaner air for future generations.