Representatives from over 50 countries, cities, and organizations have made new commitments to tackle air pollution, protect public health, and work toward halving its deadly impact by 2040.

 This goal is supported by a joint statement signed by 47 million health professionals, patients, and advocates, urging governments to prioritize clean air as a public health imperative.

The Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health was held in Cartagena, Colombia, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Colombia. It brought together over 700 participants from 100 countries, including heads of state, ministers, scientists, and representatives from civil society. The central aim of the conference was to accelerate efforts in confronting the growing public health crisis caused by air pollution.

&ldquoNow is the time to move from commitment to decisive action,&rdquo said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

 &ldquoTo achieve clean air, we must act urgently on multiple fronts&mdashinvesting financially in sustainable solutions such as clean energy and sustainable transport, enforcing WHO&rsquos global air quality guidelines, and ensuring that society collectively works to protect vulnerable populations in the most polluted regions.&rdquoThe shared goal of the conference is to reduce the health impacts of air pollution by 50% by the year 2040. (Photo / Sourced from Pexels)

The shared goal of the conference is to reduce the health impacts of air pollution by 50% by 2040. Countries such as Brazil, Spain, China, and the United Kingdom announced national-level action roadmaps at the event. Meanwhile, the Clean Air Fund pledged an additional $90 million USD to support climate and health programs.

 Cities in the C40 network, including London, also committed to strengthening air quality monitoring and boosting investments in clean air policies.