Global Conference Unites Health and Climate Leaders to Tackle Air Pollution Crisis

Air pollution continues to be one of the leading environmental threats to human health, responsible for millions of premature deaths annually.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is joining forces with international partners at the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, taking place from 25–27 March in Bogotá, Colombia. This major event aims to galvanize global action for cleaner air, healthier communities, and sustainable energy solutions at a time when the world faces increasingly severe environmental and public health challenges.

Co-organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Colombia, with support from the Government of Spain, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WMO, the World Bank, and other UN agencies, the conference serves as a call to action for countries to commit to voluntary efforts that will reduce the health impacts of air pollution by 50% by 2040.

Air Pollution: A Global Health Emergency

Air pollution continues to be one of the leading environmental threats to human health, responsible for millions of premature deaths annually. The crisis is exacerbated by rising global temperatures and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including wildfires, sand and dust storms, and prolonged heatwaves. These environmental stressors heighten exposure to hazardous pollutants, particularly affecting vulnerable communities and undermining economic productivity and ecological stability.

“Protecting human health and saving lives is central to the mission of the World Meteorological Organization,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo in a video address to the high-level segment of the conference. She emphasized WMO’s enduring commitment to transforming scientific knowledge into actionable policies that drive meaningful change.

From Science to Policy: WMO’s Role in Air Quality and Health

With a 75-year legacy of turning atmospheric science into impactful action, WMO continues to lead the way in strengthening climate and air quality services. Through initiatives like the Global Atmosphere Watch and the Global Air Pollution and Forecasting Information System (GAFIS), WMO equips countries with cutting-edge monitoring tools, early warnings, and forecasting capabilities.

WMO has also issued new Guidelines on Sand and Dust Storm Warning and Mitigation, featuring comprehensive guidance on monitoring, forecasting, and impact assessments. These tools are vital for helping countries mitigate the effects of transboundary pollution on public health, agriculture, aviation, and infrastructure.

“WMO is advancing operational warning and advisory systems for sand and dust storms and wildfires to help countries mitigate health, economic and environmental impacts,” said Secretary-General Saulo. “We are also working to enhance atmospheric composition monitoring to support evidence-based policymaking.”

WMO co-organized specialized sessions at the conference on air quality monitoring, wildfires, and dust storm risk management, facilitating cross-sector dialogue and sharing of best practices.

Integrating Health, Climate, and Clean Energy Solutions

The conference emphasizes the need for integrated approaches that connect public health, climate action, and sustainable development. Many air pollutants, such as black carbon and methane, are also powerful climate forcers. Addressing them through coordinated policies offers co-benefits: improved health outcomes, reduced emissions, and increased climate resilience.

Visual materials at the event highlight this synergy. One infographic shows overlapping circles labeled “Reduce Climate Change” and “Reduce Air Pollution,” with “Protect Health” at the center—symbolizing the interconnected nature of today’s environmental and health challenges.

The WMO’s support aligns with the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative, which aims to ensure that every person on the planet is protected by early warning systems for weather and climate-related hazards. Heatwaves combined with air pollution are particularly deadly, making early warning systems critical to saving lives.

Building Capacity and Driving Action

While technology and data are essential, the WMO stresses that capacity building at the local level is equally important. Countries need support to translate air quality data into effective public health interventions and policies.

WMO provides decision-makers with authoritative annual bulletins covering greenhouse gases, air quality, airborne dust, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These resources guide evidence-based responses to environmental health threats.

At the conference, WMO and partners are advocating for stronger cross-sector collaboration—between ministries of health, environment, energy, transport, and urban planning. Participants include high-level government officials, public health professionals, mayors, city planners, scientists, and representatives from civil society, development agencies, and academia.

A Global Call to Action

As the world continues to grapple with overlapping crises—climate change, pollution, and health inequities—the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health offers a vital platform to reenergize global commitments to clean air and sustainable development.

By bringing together science, policy, and community action, organizations like WMO are helping chart a path toward a future where clean air is a right, not a privilege, and where climate and health policies work hand-in-hand to protect people and the planet.