A researcher from The University of Manchester has contributed to a major World Health Organization (WHO) update revealing that global progress on reducing air pollution has slowed, with low- and middle-income countries continuing to face the greatest risks.
The new estimates, published by the WHO as part of its monitoring of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), shows that while levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) declined globally up to 2020, they have since remained largely unchanged.
The new estimates will support global efforts to towards the WHO’s new goal to cut deaths linked to anthropogenic (man-made) air pollution by 50% by 2040, providing a critical evidence base for international policy and action.