Air pollution is a universal health risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) will launch the first phase of its new Science and Policy Summaries (SPS) on Air Quality, Energy and Health.
These SPS provide concise overviews of current knowledge and evidence on topics related to air quality, energy access, climate change, and health. These summaries aim to support decision-makers by presenting key insights from scientific research and policy actions in plain language.
The SPS are developed through a multistakeholder consultation process that includes experts from WHO Advisory Groups – i.e., the Scientific Advisory Group on Air Pollution and Health (SAG), and the Global Air Pollution and Health – Technical Advisory Group (GAPH-TAG) – as well as specialists from WHO Collaborating Centres, UN agencies as well as other experts from academia and civil society.
Phase 1 of the SPS highlights the drivers of poor air quality and climate change, the interconnection between the sources of both. It also includes crucial sectoral strategies for clean air, climate mitigation and health protection, aligning with the global climate and health agendas, including the upcoming WHO’s 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health and COP30.
Objectives of the launch webinars
- Introduce the SPS and their purpose, development process, and target audiences
- Showcase sector-specific policy actions as effective pathways for clean air for health
- Enable cross-country learning and political commitment through a high-level panel discussion
Agenda
Opening Remarks
Maria Neira, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO
David Foster, Policy Officer, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UK
Presentation: Science and Policy Summaries
Sophie Gumy, Technical Officer, Air Quality, Energy and Health, WHO
- Introduction to SPS
- Goals and launch timeline
- Overview of covered topics
Technical Inputs about sectoral solutions for air pollution, climate change and health
- Jonathan Samet, Chair of WHO Scientific Advisory Group on Air Pollution and Health
- Kalpana Balakrishnan, Head of WHO Collaborating Center on Air Quality and Health
Panel Discussion
How can WHO’s Science and Policy Summaries be used to inform decision-makers about clean air action
Panelists
- Greater London Authority, UK
Poppy Lyle, Head of Air Quality
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
Xiaoming Shi, Director, National Institute of Environmental Health
- Ministry of Health, Brazil
Eliane Ignotti, Coordinator, Environmental Health Surveillance
Agnes Soares da Silva, Director, Department of Environmental Health Surveillance and Worker Health
- Ministry of Heath Ethiopia
Misganaw Tewachew, Public Health Specialist
- Ministry of Health, and Prevention, United Arab Emirates
Moza Al Ketbi, Head of the Occupational and Environmental Health Unit
Mazen Malkawi, Advisor, Occupational and Environmental Health Unit
Questions & answers
Closing Remarks
Heather Adair-Rohani, Unit Head a.i., Air Quality, Energy and Health