Air pollution is one of the main risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. In the WHO European Region, tackling air pollution is a regional priority to improve health. Reducing the emissions of certain pollutants has also double benefits for health, since it helps to mitigate climate change.
At its annual meeting, the Joint Convention/WHO Task Force on the Health Aspects of Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution will gather representatives from Parties to the Convention, experts and stakeholders for sharing information and updates.
As recognized in the Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, the Task Force will play an important role in supporting the implementation of Conference commitments on air quality, climate change and health, by providing a platform to exchange knowledge and information.
The agenda covers international policies and processes for air quality and health, WHO tools for health risk assessment of air pollution (AirQ+ and CLIMAQ-H), progress in research on air quality and health, and relevant experiences in Member States. Other agenda items will address air pollution, climate change and health, and communicating on air quality and health.
Presentations will include updates on the ongoing revision of the European Union Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, information about the Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2025 and the contribution of the Task Force to the regional Science and Policy Snapshots, and the use of behavioural and cultural insights for environment and health. Participants will also review current activities of the Task Force workplan for 2024–2025 and discuss the next steps for implementation.