The second WHO World Conference on Pollution and Air Health has ended with major commitments from more than 50 countries, cities and organizations ready to combat air pollution and safeguard health.
Organized jointly with the government of Colombia, it brought together more than 700 participants from 100 countries, including representatives of the government, United Nations agencies, civil society, scientists and health companies, to accelerate action on air pollution and public health.
A common goal of reducing health impacts by 50% by 2040 has been agreed to save millions of lives each year. In addition, new financing and policies commitments have been proposed as commitments.
During the high -level session, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who managed managing director, urged managers to respond to a world call for action: “It is time to make commitments to daring actions. To achieve clean air, we need urgent actions on all fronts: financial investment in sustainable solutions, such as clean energy and sustainable transport; most polluted regions. »»
Gustavo Petro, president of Colombia, attended the high-level day of the conference, stressing the determination of Colombia in the fight against air pollution: “Air pollution requires more victims than violence itself. The poisoning of our air costs lives in silence – this conference strengthens our determination to implement policies for the environment and the health of our people. ”
Among the procedural promises at the conference, the countries, the United Nations agencies and civil society organizations have demonstrated commitment to the right track.
- The Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia, Lena Yanina Estrada Añokazi, is committed to strengthening efforts in the sectors to combat air pollution by actions in surveillance and public health. The country will support initiatives that improve air quality, promote its own energy transition by increasing own technologies in industry and transport and developing early alert systems for prevention and attenuation of forest fires.
- Spain is committed to obtaining a neutral carbon health system by 2050 thanks to the reduction of emissions, a multisectoral collaboration and the promotion of innovation.
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have reaffirmed its commitment to combating air pollution by presiding the forum for international cooperation on air pollution (FICAP), by establishing PM2.5 targets based on health (fine particles 2.5) and by publishing an air quality strategy, which will examine the existing targets and will examine the awareness public on air pollution and the reference of inequalities. The United Kingdom has also committed to supporting the Africa Clean Air program.
- The Ministry of Health and the Family Welfare, in India, undertakes to support the health sector in actions in alignment with the national clean air program in order to reduce the impacts on the health of air pollution by 2040. They will strengthen air pollution and the monitoring of non -transmitted diseases, will promote the cleaner cooking energy, in particular for vulnerable populations and support clinicians to protect patients at risk.
- Brazil is committed to strengthening interministerial cooperation advancing key initiatives, the creation of the national air quality policy, updating air quality standards based on WHO directives as a legal framework and monitoring the impact of these initiatives on the reduction of mortality which is due to exposure to air pollution.
- China is committed to stronger air quality standards, smarter health protection systems and improved international cooperation. The country will continue its efforts to achieve the national environmental and climatic objectives for 2030, 2050 and 2060.
- On behalf of the co -chairs of C40 CitiesRepresenting nearly 100 of the largest cities in the world, the deputy mayor of London, Mete Coban, is committed to reducing air pollution and supporting the WHO 2040 objective and roadmap, and called on other national governments to extend investments in white air solutions, to strengthen air quality surveillance systems and to recognize cities as key partners in development and clean air strategies.
- The Clean Air Fund (CAF) is committed to continuing to support who to demonstrate the advantages of the actions of pure vital vital vital. He also undertook to allocate an additional $ 90 million over the next two years for climate and health efforts.
The promises of health associations and civil society organizations have included support for the integration of air pollution and the health of the planet in medical education and the equipment of knowledge health and tools to treat its health impacts.
“The commitments made at this conference demonstrate the world momentum to combat air pollution as a critical public health problem,” said Dr. Maria Neira, director of the environment, climate change and health department at the World Health Organization. “Which remains dedicated to countries of support for the translation of these commitments into concrete actions which protect lives and promote well-being.”
With a solid base of commitments and partnerships, the global community is now better placed to stimulate significant changes in the coming years.
For more information
More information on the conference and videos of the sessions