Outdoor air pollution is a serious environmental health challenge impacting people in low-, middle-, and high-income countries alike. Millions of lives are affected globally, and 99% of the global population lived in areas where air quality guidelines were not met in 2019.
Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to child health. Combined household and ambient air pollution contribute to 6.7 million premature deaths each year.
89% of premature deaths from air pollution occur in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.
Air pollution causes significant health risks, leading to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and even cancers.
Policies promoting energy-efficient homes, cleaner transport, and waste management can significantly cut pollution, according to WHO
Access to affordable, clean energy for cooking, heating, and lighting can reduce pollution in homes and neighbourhoods.
Compact, energy-efficient city planning with green spaces can help reduce pollution and make cities healthier.
Capturing methane gas from waste sites for biogas and improving waste processing can reduce pollution and provide clean energy.
Health services adopting low-carbon practices can reduce environmental risks and improve resilience, as cleaner air benefits everyone, and health systems play a vital role.