Air pollution causes nearly eight million deaths annually, with 86% of them due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, dementia, and chronic respiratory diseases. It deepens health inequities, with pollutants having devastating effects on the climate and environment. Yet it does not receive the policy attention it deserves.

A new report from the NCD Alliance, with funding support from Haleon, calls for urgent action. A Breathable Planet: Best Practices for Clean Air Policies to Meet NCD Targets presents fast acting and cost-effective policies that governments can implement now, building on others’ experiences in reducing air pollution and its health impacts.

The report comes at a critical moment. In the 2025 UN Political Declaration on NCDs and mental health, countries committed to step up action on air pollution as part of broader efforts to tackle NCDs. In the same year, countries also agreed to the target of halving premature deaths caused by human-led air pollution by 2040, as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) updated roadmap for an enhanced global response to the adverse health effects on air pollution. Now, strong advocacy is needed to push governments to act on these commitments with bold policy action and integration into national NCD strategies.

“Clean air policies bring shared benefits for health, equity, the economy, and the environment. Acting on air pollution is not only essential for reducing the NCD burden, but also for achieving many other development goals,” said Liz Arnanz, Policy and Advocacy, Senior Manager.

Air pollution is the leading environmental risk factor for NCDs, causing as many deaths as tobacco. As with other risk factors, the greatest burden falls on low- and middle-income countries.

The report highlights best practices and country examples of policies that are in place – and in fact are already working. Policies such as restricting vehicle emissions, phasing out fossil fuels, expanding access to clean energy, and promoting active mobility are delivering measurable benefits to health and the environment in many places. These actions also bring significant economic benefits, improve social equity, and support progress towards other goals for climate action, physical activity, and more sustainable, healthier food systems.

“Air pollution is an urgent public health challenge, driving respiratory and wider health impacts which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities,” said Sarah McDonald, VP of Health Inclusivity and Sustainability at Haleon.

She added: “This report highlights that scaling proven, cost‑effective clean air policies can improve everyday health and reduce the risk of NCDs. At Haleon, we are working with our partners to build evidence and drive action to help more people live healthier lives.”

Future progress on air pollution depends on translating political commitments into action. With key political opportunities in the near future, like the UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage in 2027 and ongoing climate negotiations, momentum cannot be lost.