Nine in Every Ten People Breathe Dangerous Polluted Air, Says WHO

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has revealed that nine out of ten people worldwide are breathing polluted air, highlighting a severe global public health crisis.

“Air pollution is a silent killer,” Tedros warned speaking from WHO headquarters in Geneva.

“It affects every corner of the globe—urban and rural, rich and poor. But this is not a fate we must accept. We have the knowledge and the tools to act, and now is the time to use them,” he said.

The WHO links air pollution to deadly conditions such as respiratory diseases, heart disease, and stroke, with an estimated 7 million premature deaths each year. The crisis disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where pollution control measures are often lacking.

It affects every corner of the globe—urban and rural, rich and poor

Tedros’s remarks come ahead of the 2nd Air Pollution and Health Conference, scheduled to begin on March 31, 2025, in Bogotá, Colombia.

Co-organized by WHO and the Colombian government, the conference will bring together global leaders, scientists, and advocates to push for stronger policies, cleaner technologies, and stricter emissions controls.

Colombia, a nation grappling with air pollution in cities like Bogotá and Medellín, has taken a leadership role in addressing the issue.

The country’s Environment Minister, Ana María Rojas, emphasised the significance of the conference.

“We are honoured to work with the WHO to bring the world together on this urgent issue. Clean air is a right, not a privilege, and we are committed to making that a reality for everyone,” she said.

The conference will focus on strategies to reduce emissions, improve air quality monitoring, and protect vulnerable populations. Organizers hope to produce a unified declaration, setting concrete targets for governments and organizations worldwide.

Breathing clean air is fundamental to life itself

Tedros remains optimistic, pointing to cities like Delhi and Beijing, which have seen significant air quality improvements through stricter regulations and innovation.

“Breathing clean air is fundamental to life itself. Together, we can—and must—make it a reality for all,” he said.