The Second WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health, held this week in Cartagena, kicked off with a series of poignant personal stories that underscored the devastating effects of air pollution on public health. From the tragic tale of a 13-year-old girl in London who died from smog-related asthma to the deadly consequences of methane flares in the Amazon, the conference shone a light on the global health crisis exacerbated by air pollution.
The event, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the first time since 2018, brings together experts, activists, and policymakers to address the growing body of evidence that links air pollution to various health issues, from brain development and aging to the well-being of newborns.
Over three days, the conference delves into a broad array of topics, including the impact of pollution on agriculture, the risks posed by wildfires and dust storms, and innovative strategies for the health sector to reduce its own emissions. These discussions reflect the expanded scope of air pollution’s effects on human health, touching on issues not explored in previous gatherings.
Economic and Health Benefits of Clean Air
A new World Bank report, set to be released on Thursday, highlights the staggering impact of air pollution, which contributes to nearly 2 million deaths annually. However, the report also outlines a path to reducing this toll. If global exposure to harmful particulate matter (PM2.5) can be halved by 2040, up to 2 million deaths could be prevented each year.
This goal, while ambitious, is attainable with increased investment in clean air strategies. The World Bank estimates that global spending on air pollution initiatives needs to rise from $8.5 billion to nearly $14 billion annually to achieve this reduction. The economic return on such investments is substantial, with potential gains between $1.9 and $2.4 trillion over the next 15 years, not to mention the health benefits of reducing outdoor air pollution deaths.
Moreover, integrated strategies aimed at reducing emissions from various sectors, including energy, transport, and waste, could slow climate change by targeting “superpollutants” with a significant but short-lived impact on global warming. According to Helena Naber, Senior Environmental Economist at the World Bank, such strategies are both feasible and affordable, presenting an opportunity to address both air pollution and climate change simultaneously.
Air Pollution’s Economic Toll
At the conference, WHO’s Maria Neira emphasized that air pollution costs the global economy more than $8 trillion annually—roughly 10% of global GDP. She stressed that reducing pollution not only saves lives but also brings significant economic rewards, providing a strong argument for governments to prioritize clean air initiatives.
One example of successful action comes from China, where government officials, including Vice Minister of Health Hongbing Shen, shared the country’s progress in tackling extreme levels of air pollution. The “Asian miracle” of air quality improvement serves as a beacon for other nations striving to reduce pollution levels.
Calls for Urgent Action
While the conference featured strong participation from Latin American countries, the absence of high-level representation from the United States and other major polluters was notable. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had to cancel his attendance, underscoring the challenges the WHO faces in prioritizing environmental health amidst ongoing global crises.
Activists, however, made their voices heard. Brazilian activist Fany Kuiru described the harmful effects of methane gas flaring in the Amazon, where oil and gas extraction is killing indigenous populations and threatening the environment. Kuiru condemned the increase in emissions from the region, calling the flare systems “death systems” for the Amazon and its inhabitants.
The Personal Toll of Air Pollution
One of the most emotional moments of the conference came when Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, founder of the Ella Roberta Foundation, recounted the death of her 9-year-old daughter, Ella, from asthma triggered by air pollution. Despite being hospitalized multiple times, Ella’s condition worsened until she succumbed to an asthma attack in 2013. An autopsy revealed that her lungs resembled those of a smoker, a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by pollution.
Kissi-Debrah fought for over a decade to have air pollution officially recognized as the cause of her daughter’s death. “Air pollution is killing, killing, killing us,” said WHO’s Maria Neira, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this silent killer.
Looking Ahead: A Global Commitment to Change
As the conference continues, participants are expected to commit to reducing air pollution mortality by half by 2040. The event serves as a crucial platform for forging international partnerships and fostering the political will needed to tackle this global health crisis. The call for cleaner air and healthier lungs has never been more urgent.
“We need to make our lungs healthy again,” Neira concluded, leaving a poignant message for global leaders and citizens alike.
This gathering in Cartagena has reinforced one undeniable fact: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health emergency that demands immediate action from governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide.
Related topics:
The Best Diet for Aging Well, Backed by a 30-Year Study of 100,000 People
Hunger Shifts Attention Towards Less Healthy Food Options, Study Finds
Anveshan Revolutionizes Healthy Eating with Farm-Fresh Offerings
