Sun Mar 30 04:02:42 UTC 2025: ## Global Commitment to Curb Air Pollution Emerges from WHO Conference
**Cartagena, Colombia –** Over 50 countries, cities, and organizations pledged ambitious targets to combat air pollution at the conclusion of the second World Health Organization (WHO) conference on air pollution and health. The conference, co-hosted by the Colombian government, brought together over 700 participants to address the devastating health impacts of air pollution.
A key outcome was a shared goal to reduce the health impacts of air pollution by 50% by 2040, a target aimed at saving millions of lives annually. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the urgent need for financial investment in clean energy and sustainable transport, enforcement of WHO air quality guidelines, and protection of vulnerable populations.
India, represented by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Aakash Shrivastava, committed to aligning its efforts with the National Clean Air Programme to reduce health impacts by 2040. This includes promoting cleaner cooking energy and strengthening disease surveillance. However, a report to the Rajya Sabha revealed that ₹858 crore (approximately $104 million USD) allocated for pollution control in 2024-25 remained unspent.
Other significant commitments included Spain’s aim for a carbon-neutral healthcare system by 2050, the UK and Northern Ireland’s continued leadership in international cooperation on air pollution, Brazil’s pledge to strengthen its national air quality policy, and China’s commitment to stronger air quality standards and international collaboration. The Clean Air Fund announced an additional $90 million in funding for climate and health initiatives over the next two years. C40 cities, representing nearly 100 of the world’s largest cities, also voiced support for the WHO’s 2040 target.
Despite the widespread commitment, concerns remain given the significant unspent funds allocated to pollution control in some countries. The WHO emphasized the importance of translating commitments into concrete actions. The conference underscored the urgent and global nature of the air pollution crisis and its devastating impact on human health.
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