Health and Economic Impact:

A recent WHO study shows that cancer rates among non-smokers are rising, a trend partly attributed to air pollution. Airborne contaminants are linked to around 8 million premature deaths annually and cost the global economy over US$8 trillion each year.

Pathways to Improvement:

Despite these staggering statistics, experts emphasize that effective solutions exist. By making targeted investments and enforcing robust clean-air laws, nations can significantly reduce pollution levels and improve public health.

Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)