WHO recommends action vs air pollutants

MANILA, Philippines – The World Health Organization (WHO) has underscored the need to reduce the emission of three substances that produce strong global warming effects and contribute significantly to more than seven million premature deaths caused by air pollution annually. 

In a report, the WHO identified the substances as black carbon, ozone and methane, which are frequently described as “short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP).”

WHO assistant director general Flavia Bustreo said “Every day, these pollutants threaten the health of men, women and children.”

“For the first time, this report recommends actions that countries, health and environment ministries and cities can take right now to reduce emissions, protect health and avoid illness and premature deaths, which often take the greatest toll on the most vulnerable,” she noted.

The report builds on a 2011 assessment by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization, which estimated that a global deployment of 16 SLCP reduction measures would prevent an average of 2.4 million premature deaths annually by 2030.

New estimates could raise that to 3.5 million lives saved annually by 2030, and between 3 to 5 million lives per year by 2050.  These latest projections take into account the latest WHO data on deaths linked to air pollution and new SLCP measures.

 According to UNEP head Helena Molin Valdés, a “quick action to reduce black carbon, methane and other ozone precursors are much needed now.”

“We know that the sooner we start reducing these pollutants the sooner we will relieve the pressures on climate and human health,” Valdes added.

WHO rated more than 20 available and affordable measures to mitigate SLCP, including vehicle emissions standards, capturing landfill gas, switching from fossil fuels to renewables, reducing food waste and improving household cooking fuels, to see which have the greatest potential to improve health, reduce SLCP emissions and prevent climate change.

From those, the agency came up with four interventions: reduction of vehicle emissions, promotion of rapid transit (like trains or buses), provision of cleaner household fuel and increased consumption of nutritious plant-based food.

Maria Neira, WHO director for the Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, said the “health benefits that may be obtained from these strategies are far larger than previously understood, and they can be enjoyed immediately and locally.”

“The environment and health sectors can now prioritize interventions to meet both of their goals – preventing climate change and ensuring good health,” Neira added.