The World Health Organization (WHO) hosted the WHO Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health. It organized from March 25 to 27, 2025, in Cartagena, Colombia.
More than 700 people from 100 countries attended, including world leaders, government ministers, scientists, and activists. The conference focused on the urgent need for global teamwork to fight air pollution and improve public health. So, this event highlighted the importance of clean air for a healthier future. Here’s everything you need to know about the WHO’s 2025 conference on air pollution!
The Danger in the Air We Breathe
Air pollution is not just about the environment because it’s a serious health crisis. Experts at the WHO Second Global Conference on Air Pollution 2025 shared shocking data. Air pollution kills about 7 million people every year. Hence, it has become the biggest environmental threat to human health.
Since dirty air can cause heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and breathing problems. It affects everyone, but children, older adults, and vulnerable groups suffer the most.
The United Nations (UN) News also reported that air pollution harms mental health, worsens food shortages. Even forces people to leave their homes because of extreme weather caused by climate change.
Hence, Clean air is not just important—it’s a matter of life and death.
The Reality of Air Pollution – and Hope for Change
The WHO Second Global Conference on Air Pollution 2025 revealed a harsh truth: Only seven countries met the WHO’s air quality standards in 2024. This shows how serious the problem is worldwide.
But there is hope! Since Solutions exist, and the goal of this meeting in Cartagena was to push for real action.
Key Moments from the WHO’s Second Global Conference on Air Pollution 2025
The Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, co-hosted with the Government of Colombia, continued the work started in 2018. The theme for 2025 was:
“Accelerating Action for Clean Air, Clean Energy Access, and Climate Change Mitigation.”
This means tackling air pollution, energy access, and climate change together. Here are some of the most important moments from the event:
1. A Bold Promise: Cutting Air Pollution’s Harm in Half by 2040
More than 50 countries, cities, and organizations made a big promise to reduce the health impacts of air pollution by 50% by 2040.
This goal is supported by 47 million health workers, patients, and advocates who signed a petition to make clean air a top priority for public health. According to the United Nations (UN) News, reaching this target could save millions of lives and reduce the burden on healthcare systems around the world.
2. Working Together for Cleaner Air
The 2025 WHO Conference brought together over 700 people from 100 countries, showing that air pollution affects everyone—no matter where they live.
World leaders, scientists, and community activists shared ideas and success stories. Dr. Maria Neira from WHO pointed to China as an example of how a country can reduce pollution while still growing its economy. This proves that clean air and economic progress can go hand in hand.
3. Learning the link between Air Pollution and Climate Change
One of the biggest lessons from the 2025 WHO Conference was that air pollution and climate change go hand in hand. Burning fossil fuels not only pollutes the air but also releases greenhouse gases, which make the Earth hotter and worsen climate change.
The conference emphasized that reducing air pollution is not just about health—it’s also a powerful way to slow down global warming and protect our planet’s future.
4. Solutions for Cleaner Air Are Ready
Even though air pollution is a big problem, the 2025 WHO Conference focused on real solutions that can be used right away.
Some key actions include:
- Switching to renewable energy instead of fossil fuels
- Stronger air quality rules to protect people’s health
Colombia, as the host country, showed Latin America’s leadership in this fight. Cartagena became a symbol of the world’s commitment to cleaner air and a healthier future.
Important Numbers from the WHO Second Global Conference on Air Pollution 2025:
The conference shared powerful numbers that show both the problem and the progress being made:
- 7 million – People who die every year because of air pollution.
- 47 million – Health professionals and advocates demanding action for clean air.
- 50% – The goal to cut air pollution’s health impacts by 2040.
- 100 – Countries that joined the conference, proving global teamwork.
- 17% – Increase in countries following WHO’s air quality standards since the last update.
These numbers, reported by UN News and GK Today, highlight the urgency of the crisis and the growing effort to make a real change.
Why Does This WHO Second Global Conference on Air Pollution 2025 Matter to You?
You might wonder, “Why should I care about a conference far away?” The answer is simple: it’s about the air you breathe every day.
Air pollution doesn’t stop at borders—it affects everyone, whether you’re living in a busy city or a small village. If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s asthma, someone dealing with smog, or anyone who cares about a sustainable future, the outcomes of this conference are important for you.
The commitments made in Cartagena aren’t just plans on paper. They represent a path to cleaner air and better health. For example, reducing the health impacts of air pollution by 50% could lead to fewer hospital visits, lower healthcare costs, and less stress on families. It’s a change that begins with world leaders and impacts communities like yours.
Looking Ahead: What after the WHO’s Second Global Conference on Air Pollution 2025
The conference may have ended on March 27, but its effects are just beginning. The promises made in Cartagena will be tracked and improved upon in future global meetings, including COP29, where climate and health goals will come together again.
Meanwhile, WHO leaders like Dr. Maria Neira are urging the health community to keep advocating and for governments and the private sector to take strong action.
For everyone, the message is simple: this is a group effort. Small actions—like supporting clean energy, lowering your carbon footprint, or spreading awareness—can help push the global movement forward.
As the UN News report says, “The air we share knows no borders – and neither should our clean air commitments.”
Final Thoughts
The WHO Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health 2025 wasn’t just another event—it was a call to action. With 47 million voices supporting it and over 50 nations stepping up, this conference marked a turning point in the fight for clean air.
As we move toward 2040, the data and stories from Cartagena will inspire action, showing that a healthier, cleaner world is not only possible but achievable.
Stay informed, get involved, and breathe easier knowing the world is finally waking up to the air we all share. For more information, check out full coverage from UN News and GK Today. Together, we can clear the air—one step at a time.
