Conference of the WHO: More than 50 nations promise to cut the health effects of air pollution by 50% by 2040

 Over 50 nations, cities, and organizations made significant pledges to address air pollution and protect public health during the last session of the World Health Organization's worldwide conference.

 In the closing session of the second World Health Organization (WHO) conference on air pollution and health, India committed to reducing the health impacts of air pollution by 2040, aligning its measures with the National Clean Air Programme.

The Indian government is "committed to supporting the health sector" and would "promote cleaner cooking energy, particularly for vulnerable populations," according to Aakash Shrivastava, who spoke at the conference held in the Colombian city of Cartagena.

To lessen the negative health effects of air pollution by 2040, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is dedicated to assisting the healthcare industry through initiatives that are in line with the National Clean Air Programme. “We will improve monitoring of air pollution and noncommunicable diseases, encourage cleaner cooking energy, especially for vulnerable groups, and assist physicians in safeguarding patients who are at risk,” Mr. Shrivastava stated.

However, a significant ₹858 crore allotted for pollution management in 2024–2025 has not been used, according to a report submitted to the Rajya Sabha by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.

This budget represents 27.44% of the Indian Ministry’s revised annual allocation. At the WHO's global conference's closing session, over 50 nations, cities, and organizations made significant pledges to combat air pollution and protect public health.

At the meeting, which the WHO organized in collaboration with the Colombian government, more than 700 people attended, including officials of the government, U.N. agencies, civil society, scientists, and health organizations. According to the WHO, a common objective was set to cut the health effects by 50% by 2040 in order to save millions of lives annually.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the attendees to answer a worldwide call to action, stating that in order to attain clean air, immediate action is required on all fronts.

He emphasized the necessity for technical implementation of WHO global air quality norms, financial investment in sustainable solutions including clean energy and sustainable transportation, and social commitment to protect the most vulnerable in the most polluted areas.

According to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who attended the conference's closing session, air pollution kills more people than violence alone and costs lives in silence. "This conference strengthens our resolve to put policies in place that benefit our people's health and the environment," he continued.

Spain pledged at the conference that they are "committed to achieve" a carbon-neutral health care system by 2050 by reducing emissions, fostering innovation, and collaborating across sectors.

By chairing the Forum for International Cooperation on Air Pollution (FICAP), establishing health-based PM2.5 (fine particulate matter 2.5) targets, and releasing an Air Quality Strategy that will review current targets and take into account ways to raise public awareness of air pollution and address inequalities, the UK and Northern Ireland reaffirmed their commitment to combating air pollution. Additionally, the United Kingdom pledged to assist the Africa Clean Air Program.

In addition to establishing the National Air Quality Policy and updating air quality standards in accordance with WHO principles as a Legal Framework, Brazil promised to improve interministerial cooperation, develop important projects, and track their effects on lowering pollution-related mortality.

But China said they are "committed to stronger air quality standards, smarter health protection systems, and enhanced international cooperation."

At the meeting, a Chinese government official declared, "The country will continue its efforts to achieve national environmental and climate goals for 2030, 2050, and 2060."

Mete Coban, the deputy mayor of London, pledged support for WHO's 2040 target and roadmap on behalf of the co-chairs of C40 cities, which represent over 100 of the largest cities in the globe.

Mr. Coban also urged other governments to acknowledge cities as important collaborators in the creation and execution of clean air policies, increase funding for clean air solutions, and improve air quality monitoring systems.

A further $90 million will be provided for climate and health initiatives over the next two years, according to the Clean Air Fund (CAF).

In response to the pledges made during the conference's closing session, WHO Director Maria Neira stated that the organization "remains committed" to helping nations turn these pledges into tangible measures.