91%
91 percent of people worldwide breathe unhealthy air
At the WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, The Union – as part of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) – joined a ‘call for urgent action’ to reduce the seven million deaths a year caused by air pollution. The aim is that, by 2030, the deaths will have been reduced by two-thirds.
Along with countries, urban mayors and civil society, FIRS also made a commitment to the global advocacy campaign, breathelife2030, to meet WHO air quality guidelines and reduce climate emissions. With 91 percent of people worldwide breathing unhealthy air, the conference focused on bringing together partners to share knowledge and mobilise action for cleaner air and better health globally.
In September 2018, the UN HLM on NCDs highlighted air pollution for the first time as a serious risk to health.