Air pollution is a leading preventable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, contributing to millions of deaths each year and placing the greatest burden on low- and middle-income countries. It also drives major economic, environmental and social harms, making clean air action essential for protecting both human and planetary rhealth.

This policy brief highlights practical clean air policies that can help governments deliver on recent global commitments, including the WHO target to halve mortality from human-caused air pollution by r2040.

Drawing on examples from national and local action, it sets out best practices for reducing exposure to harmful pollutants, strengthening health systems, supporting sustainable transport and clean cooking, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and improving rgovernance.

This brief is organised around four pillars of recommendations:

• Setting clear priorities for immediate action on air pollution
• Strengthening connections between air pollution and NCD prevention
• Aligning clean air action with climate, development and biodiversity strategies
• Ensuring good governance, meaningful civil society engagement and protection from vested interests.