WHO 2nd Conference on Air Pollution & Health

The world’s reliance on fossil fuel use has had devastating impacts on human health and ecological wellbeing - over 80% of air pollution deaths can be linked directly to the extraction, refining, and burning of fossil fuels. To meet unsustainable demand for this finite resource, the industry has begun to pursue so-called “unconventional” exploration methods over the past few decades, such as hydraulic fracking, that is used to extract oil and gas from deep within the earth, releasing many hazardous air pollutants in the process.

Communities living near an extraction site have a 66% chance of suffering from cancer associated with air pollution, including damage to respiratory health and staggering rates of cancer. Most often those impacted are racially marginalized groups, Indigenous peoples, and impoverished communities. Many of these have taken a leadership role in combatting these developments and their associated harms. In Colombia for example, the Fracking Free Colombia Alliance has been working to stop two advancing bills in 2024: one to approve the fracking pilot projects and the other to convert gas as a transition fuel. 

This event will bring together frontline activists, health professionals, and other voices from the anti-fracking movement across the Americas to share stories of the health impacts of fracking-related industrial air pollution, share stories from the communities combatting these harms, and discuss the need for the health sector to mobilize behind policies to phase out fracking and the need for a Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty.

Date: Monday March 24, 2025
Time & Duration: 14:00-16:00
Format: In person & on line
Location: Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias | CCCI, Room TBC

Fossil fuel extraction, refining and manufacturing of byproducts, transportation, distribution and disposal of waste products have proven to enhance potentially catastrophic and often cumulative health harms across the life span of individuals and future generations, especially for marginalized communities. With air pollution a key driver of these harms, phasing out fossil fuels should be understood as one of the most impactful and cost-effective global health interventions available today, with the potential to substantially reduce preventable health harms worldwide.

Careful planning and international coordination are essential to meet the twin challenges of phasing out fossil fuels rapidly enough to avoid catastrophic effects of climate change on health, while ensuring equity and a global just transition.  Momentum around a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is growing, with a growing block of 16 endorsing countries from 4 continents, as well as 130 city and subnational governments including 17 national capitals, and a global network of thousands of organisations across all sectors of society. 

This event will present strong evidence on fossil fuels as a threat to health and underscore the need for multilateral solutions beyond climate negotiations, including the importance of this proposed mechanism to protect public health. New research on the health harms of fossil fuels will be shared by the Global Climate & Health Alliance, high profile activists and health experts will share their perspective, and Ministers, Mayors, and local officials will highlight good practices to demonstrate leadership through action. 

Date: Friday March 28, 2025
Time & Duration: 9:00-12:00
Format: In person & on line
Location: Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias | CCCI, Room TBC