The Clean Air Dividend: Investing in Health for All

Almost everyone on the planet—99% of the global population—is breathing polluted air. In 2023 alone, air pollution was responsible for an estimated 7.9 million premature deaths, with the vast majority linked to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. Despite this, air pollution remains under-prioritised in national health strategies and investment frameworks.

Beyond its devastating health impacts, air pollution represents a major economic burden, costing the global economy an estimated US$8.1 trillion annually – over 6% of global GDP – while trillions of dollars continue to subsidise fossil fuels that drive pollution and ill health. Evidence shows, however, that investing in clean air delivers strong economic returns. Policies that promote clean energy, sustainable transport, and healthier urban environments not only prevent NCDs and reduce pressure on health systems but also generate jobs, reduce healthcare costs, and support inclusive and sustainable development.

This event on the sidelines of the 79th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA79) will highlight the urgent need for action and will mark the launch of a new NCD Alliance report showcasing national and subnational examples of clean air action, identifying best practices and lessons learned, and calling for accelerated implementation in line with recent global commitments.

This discussion comes at a critical moment, as governments prepare to engage on the WHO’s forthcoming strategy on the Economics of Health for All and seek pathways to achieve universal health coverage while addressing the environmental determinants of health. It also follows the second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, WHO’s new target to halve deaths from human-caused air pollution by 2040, and the adoption of the fourth UN Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health. The event will underscore why clean air must be treated as a core pillar of NCD prevention – and as a smart economic investment for health for all.

The event will take place on 20 May, at 7:30-9:00 CEST.

This event is co-hosted by NCD Alliance and the Union for International Cancer Control, and it is possible thanks to support from Haleon and the Clean Air Fund.

The list of confirmed speakers will be announced soon. 

Please note that spaces are limited, and registration will close once the event reaches full capacity.