The link between air pollution and death was established in a series of disasters around the world. About 15% of all deaths in the world are from ischemic heart disease; that’s when your heart literally suffocates. As the levels of air pollution increase, the percent of deaths from heart disease rises sharply – even at levels below the World Health Organization guidelines. If we decreased particles around the world to levels found in Vancouver, we could prevent 3 million excess deaths every year.

The key to protecting people from the deadly impact of airborne particles is to produce less air pollution. We need to consume less, promote cleaner technologies, regulate sources of pollution and redesign our cities. If every city around the world took these steps, we would be closer to fulfilling our right to a healthy environment.