Select your language

UN suggests measures to counter poor air quality

Mala calidad del aire

International. The UN agency in charge of ensuring global public health called for a stop funding the use of fossil fuels and proposed to governments 9 measures to improve air quality as an urgent issue.

The UN's call comes taking into account the results of the latest update of the Air Quality Database 2022, presented by the World Health Organization (WHO), which reports that almost the entire world population (99%) breathes air that exceeds the air quality limits set by the same organization.

In addition to the above, poor air quality increases cardiovascular diseases, strokes and lung problems, which lead to around seven million deaths per year that could be prevented.

The irony of this situation is that the number of cities and countries monitoring their air quality increased to an all-time high of 6,000 and 117 respectively, but the inhabitants of those cities continue to breathe unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. People in low- and middle-income countries are more exposed.

- Publicidad -

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu said: "High fossil fuel prices, energy security and the urgency of addressing the twin health challenges of air pollution and climate change highlight the urgent need to move more rapidly towards a world much less dependent on fossil fuels."

Aire contaminado en las ciudades

Actions that can be taken by Governments
While several governments are taking steps to improve air quality, the UN agency called for swift escalation of action and said it should:

1. Adopt or review and implement national air quality standards in accordance with the latest air quality guidelines
2. Monitor air quality and identify sources of air pollution
3. Support the transition to the exclusive use of clean energy in homes for cooking, heating and lighting
4. Build safe and affordable public transport systems, as well as networks for pedestrians and cyclists
5. Enforce stricter standards on vehicle emissions and efficiency, and make inspections and maintenance mandatory
6. Invest in housing and efficient power generation
7. Improve the management of industrial and municipal waste
8. Reduce the incineration of agricultural waste, forest fires and certain agroforestry activities (e.g. charcoal production)
9. Include air pollution in the curricula of health professionals and provide tools for the health sector to engage

Air figures
It is relevant to note that most cities have problems with nitrogen dioxide. However, the air in 17% of cities in high-income countries is below the Air Quality Guidelines for PM2.5 or PM10. While in low- and middle-income countries, air quality in less than 1% of cities meets the recommended thresholds.

Dr Maria Neira, Director of WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, said: "Having survived a pandemic, it is unacceptable that there are still seven million preventable deaths and countless years of preventable good health due to air pollution. That's what we say when we examine the mountain of data, evidence and solutions available on air pollution. However, too many investments are still being made in a polluted environment rather than in clean, healthy air."


No comments

• If you're already registered, please log in first. Your email will not be published.

Leave your comment

In reply to Some User
HVAC project at the Javeriana University, finalist in the CALA Awards 2025 in the HVAC category

HVAC project at the Javeriana University, finalist in the CALA Awards 2025 in the HVAC category

The HVAC system installed in the building of the Faculty of Sciences of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, in Bogotá, was selected as a finalist in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025....

Concord Project in La Lima Free Trade Zone, finalist in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025

Concord Project in La Lima Free Trade Zone, finalist in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025

The HVAC system project carried out by MultiFRIO for the company Concord in the La Lima Free Trade Zone, in Cartago, received the final prize in the HVAC category of the CALA Awards 2025, a...

HVAC project at the Universidad Santiago de Cali, finalist in the CALA AWARDS HVAC category

HVAC project at the Universidad Santiago de Cali, finalist in the CALA AWARDS HVAC category

The air conditioning project of the Auditorium Building and the Technology Center of the new campus of the Santiago de Cali University was chosen as a finalist in the HVAC category of the CALA...

Carrier Launches Cold Climate Heat Pump with Maximum Efficiency and Low Noise

Carrier Launches Cold Climate Heat Pump with Maximum Efficiency and Low Noise

International. Carrier, a company belonging to Carrier Global Corporation, presented significant improvements in its heat pump technology designed for cold climates.

Expert Forum to Address Energy Efficiency and 4.0 Technologies in HVAC&R Systems

Expert Forum to Address Energy Efficiency and 4.0 Technologies in HVAC&R Systems

Colombia. On July 10, 2025, the specialized forum "Towards Energy Excellence in HVAC&R: ISO 50001, Technologies 4.0 and RETSIT" will be held, a space that will bring together experts and...

LG Electronics attributes lower-than-expected results to U.S. tariffs and market slowdown

LG Electronics attributes lower-than-expected results to U.S. tariffs and market slowdown

International. LG Electronics reported a preliminary operating profit of approximately $460 million for the second quarter of the year, a figure that not only disappointed the market, but...

Hisense highlights air conditioning innovation during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Hisense highlights air conditioning innovation during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

United States. Hisense is creating unforgettable moments for fans during the 2025™ FIFA Club World Cup with its global "Own the Moment" campaign.

AFEC renews its Board of Directors and updates its statutes at its 2025 General Assembly

AFEC renews its Board of Directors and updates its statutes at its 2025 General Assembly

International. The meeting brought together 130 professionals from the HVAC sector in Girona to review results, redefine structures and project the future of air conditioning in Spain.

Technology, efficiency and innovation at the Virtual HVAC Pre-Congress 2025

Technology, efficiency and innovation at the Virtual HVAC Pre-Congress 2025

International. As a prelude to the Refriaméricas 2025Academic Congress, the Virtual HVAC Pre-Congress will be held on July 8, a free technical conference that will bring together experts and leading...

Chile leads with a gender focus in regional meeting on the Montreal Protocol

Chile leads with a gender focus in regional meeting on the Montreal Protocol

Costa Rica. Within the framework of the Meeting of Networks of National Ozone Officers of Latin America, held from June 17 to 19 and organized by the United Nations Environment Program, Chile stood...

Free Subscription
Remember Me
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
DO YOU NEED A SERVICE OR PRODUCT QUOTE?
LASTEST INTERVIEWS
SITE SPONSORS










LASTEST NEWSLETTER
Ultimo Info-Boletin