Health science and policy summaries
The WHO Air Quality, Energy and Health Science and Policy Summaries (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.
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.
Air quality, energy and health science and policy summaries
Webinar: Evidence on air pollution, energy access, climate change and health: Launch of Phase 2 of WHO’s Science and Policy Summaries (SPS)
The World Health Organization is launching Phase 2 of its Science and Policy Summaries to equip policymakers with evidence-based solutions for tackling air pollution, energy poverty, and climate change, protecting vulnerable groups such as children and people with noncommunicable diseases.
Air pollution continues to be one of the largest environmental risks to health, contributing to millions of deaths each year—especially among vulnerable groups such as children and those with noncommunicable diseases. Energy poverty and the worsening effects of climate change further compound these health threats.
To support science-informed policymaking that protects health and promotes cleaner environments, the World Health Organization (WHO) is launching Phase 2 of its Science and Policy Summaries (SPS) on Air Pollution, Energy Access, Climate Change, and Health.
The SPS aims to equip decision-makers with robust, accessible evidence to support solutions for clean air, clean energy, and climate-resilient health systems.
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 2 focuses on the health and economic impacts of air pollution, emphasizing the burden on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) or child health.
Objectives of the webinar
- Present focus and findings of Phase 2 of the SPS
- Showcase the experience of air pollution’s impact
- Facilitate a dynamic dialogue among health sector experts, exploring actionable solutions for air quality, energy access, and climate mitigation
- Encourage the uptake of SPS by health ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders for science-based policy development.
Agenda
Opening Remarks
WHO
Opening Testimonial
Lisa Nahgon, 18, Cameroon
Introduction to SPS Phase 2
Sophie Gumy, Technical Officer, Air Quality, Energy and Health, WHO
Deep Dive on exposure and health effects
Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, Professor of Environmental Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen & WHO GAPH-TAG Member
Jason West, Professor, Department Of Environmental Sciences And Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health & WHO GAPH-TAG Member
Conversation: Protecting health through cleaner air and climate resilience
Horacio Riojas-Rodriguez, Director, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico
Representative, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Iran
Moderated by: Sophie Gumy, Technical Officer, Air Quality, Energy and Health, WHO
Questions & answers from the audience
Closing Remarks
Heather Adair-Rohani, Unit Head a.i., Air Quality, Energy and Health
Science and policy summaries (SPS) on air quality, energy access and health: An introduction
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