ISGlobal Letter: Concern of Health Professionals About the Poor Air Quality We Breathe

ISGlobal, together with other organisations, has written an open letter to policymakers highlighting the urgent need to address air pollution as a critical public health issue

ISGlobal, together with the Official College of Physicians of Barcelona, the Catalan Paediatric Society and civil society organisations, has written an open letter to policymakers highlighting the urgent need to address air pollution as a critical public health issue. The letter, entitled “Concern of Health Professionals About the Poor Air Quality We Breathe“, highlights alarming data from The State of Global Air 2024 linking air pollution to serious health outcomes such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease, cancer, mental health and cognitive impairment. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected. In addition, air pollution will be responsible for 8.1 million premature deaths worldwide in 2021, making it a leading global health threat.

The initiative aligns directly with UBPolicy, where we study the interplay between urban planning policies – such as sustainable mobility and green infrastructure – and air quality, demonstrating their profound impact on public health. Our research supports evidence-based policies that integrate urban and transport planning to improve air quality and health outcomes for all.

As the letter states, local and regional governments have a key role to play in implementing sustainable urban planning and transport policies that prioritise public health. This is an urgent call for political action. Immediate action is needed to protect public health and prevent further avoidable deaths. By delivering this message to decision-makers, we aim to catalyse coordinated efforts to ensure cleaner air and healthier cities.

Let’s build a healthier, more sustainable future together!

Read more here and join the initiative.