A Breathable Planet: Best Practices for Clean Air Policies to Meet NCD Targets

Air pollution is a leading preventable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, contributing to millions of deaths each year and placing the greatest burden on low- and middle-income countries. It also drives major economic, environmental and social harms, making clean air action essential for protecting both human and planetary health.

This policy brief highlights practical clean air policies that can help governments deliver on recent global commitments, including the WHO target to halve mortality from human-caused air pollution by 2040.

Drawing on examples from national and local action, it sets out best practices for reducing exposure to harmful pollutants, strengthening health systems, supporting sustainable transport and clean cooking, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and improving governance.

This brief is organised around four pillars of recommendations: