Report calls for further cross-governmental action and capacity building on air pollution in cities

• There is growing scientific evidence of the harm air pollution exposure has on human health.
• Countries and cities should set targets to meet WHO air quality guidelines and include health in cost-benefit analysis of air quality management.
• The new WHO repository aims to be a one-stop-shop for tools and guidance documents related to air quality policies, monitoring methods, funding opportunities  and educational programs from UN agencies and international institutions.

A record 6,700 cities and communities in 117 countries are now monitoring air quality. However, over 99% of people worldwide are exposed to harmful levels of fine particulate matter. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that in 2019 about 7 million premature deaths were attributed annually to the effects of ambient and household air pollution.

WHO is custodial agency for three air pollution-related Sustainable Development Goals, among them SDG 11.6.2, ‘Air quality in urban areas.’ The Organization aims to leverage the health argument for actions on air pollution within the context of cities and human settlements.