The Guardian | international
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Air pollution is a fixable problem – just look at how London and New York have cleaned up their acts | Sadiq Khan and Michael Bloomberg
Measurable progress is achievable in cities and can be replicated globally. While major public health crises like COVID-19 and Ebola garner significant attention, air pollution, a far deadlier threat, remains largely overlooked. Air pollution kills over 8 million people annually, surpassing deaths from HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. This invisible killer shortens lives and causes serious illnesses such as heart and lung disease, cancer, and other fatal conditions. Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, and Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City, are advocates for addressing this issue. Their cities have demonstrated that significant improvements in air quality are possible. These efforts highlight successful strategies that can serve as models for other urban areas worldwide. The text implies a call to action to bring greater awareness and implement solutions for air pollution. Such initiatives are crucial for improving global public health and saving millions of lives.
