Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health

Current context: The Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, co-hosted by WHO and Colombia, aimed to halve air pollution-related deaths by 2040.

• Nearly 7 million premature deaths occur annually due to air pollution, with developing nations most affected.

Key Findings

• Air Pollution Statistics:
  • 9 out of 10 people breathe air exceeding WHO safety limits.
  • 7 billion children under 15 are exposed to unsafe air.
  • Global air pollution costs $8.1 trillion (6.1% of GDP).
• Health Impacts: Causes oxidative stress, neurodevelopmental disorders, dementia, and respiratory diseases.
• Energy Transition: Reduction in fossil fuel burning (2016-2021) led to a 6.9% decline in pollution-related deaths.
• Investment Gaps: Only 1% of international aid supports air quality improvement.