WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health

Recently the second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health was held in  Colombia.

More than 50 countries, cities, and organizations pledged to reduce air pollution health impacts by 50% by 2040.

About the Conference WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health

• Title of the Conference: The Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health: Accelerating Action for Clean Air, Clean Energy Access, and Climate Change Mitigation.
• The conference was organized by WHO in collaboration with the Government of Colombia in Cartagena.
• Goal: To safeguard public health by tackling air pollution and promoting clean air initiatives.
• Participants:  WHO, UN partners, Global health institutions, and Civil society and research bodies.
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Highlighting evidence-based, multi-sectoral solutions to address air pollution.
  • Showcasing the impact of air pollution on health, climate, and social equity.
  • Encouraging financial investment in clean energy and sustainable transport.
  • Mobilizing health professionals to advocate for clean air policies.
  • Strengthening country cooperation and commitments for cleaner air.
    

Key Issues Highlighted by the Conference

• Air pollution is a major global health crisis, causing more deaths than violence.
• WHO emphasized the need for urgent action to achieve clean air globally.
• Financial investment is required for sustainable solutions like clean energy and improved air quality standards.
• Health professionals must be empowered to advocate for and implement air pollution mitigation strategies.
• The importance of integrating air pollution policies with climate and economic development efforts.

India’s Pledge

• Commitment: Reduce health impacts of air pollution by 2040, aligned with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Key Actions:
  • Strengthening air pollution and noncommunicable disease surveillance.
  • Promoting cleaner cooking energy, especially for vulnerable populations.
  • Supporting healthcare professionals in protecting at-risk patients.
• Challenges:
  • A parliamentary report revealed that ₹858 crore allocated for pollution control in 2024-25 remains unutilized.
  • This unutilized budget constitutes 27.44% of the Ministry’s revised annual allocation.

Other Global Commitments

Financial and Policy Commitments

• The Clean Air Fund (CAF) will allocate an additional $90 million over the next two years for climate and health initiatives.
• WHO reiterated its commitment to supporting countries in translating these pledges into actionable policies.