Air pollution is the greatest environmental health risk of our time; a silent killer that claims more than 8.1 million lives every year.
Air pollution and climate change are closely interlinked, because they stem from common sources and have a shared impact on the release of greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is that tackling air pollution can bring significant benefits for economies, human health and the climate.
UNEP plays a pivotal role in addressing this pressing need to enhance global air quality by:
- Mobilizing industry and private sector partnerships to redirect investments in high-impact sectors;
- Providing advisory support to countries and cities in detecting and reducing harmful pollutants through policy and regulatory actions;
- Enhancing the evidence base for informed decision-making by conducting air quality monitoring, health -impact assessments, sector-specific interventions, and economic analyses; and
- Strengthening global and regional movements focusing on air quality advocacy and networks.
UNEP collaborates with governments, businesses and individuals to combat air pollution, in addition to other partners and networks.
