Professionals and citizens united for clean air

Air pollution is a key factor in climate change and one of the greatest threats to human health, causing around seven million deaths per year due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In response to this crisis, 47 million healthcare professionals, civil organisations and citizens have signed an urgent call to action to reduce pollution and to protect public health.

This call was presented at the Second World Conference on Air Pollution and Health, which was held in Cartagena (Colombia) at the end of March. The event brought together political leaders, experts and representatives of civil society to define strategies that promote cleaner air and benefits both for public health and for sustainable development. With 2,100 million people exposed to domestic air pollution, the WHO considers this crisis a global priority in the fight towards a healthier planet.