#BreatheLife: Advancing the Fossil Fuel Treaty for a Health-Focused Transition at WHO’s 2nd Global Air Pollution & Health Conference

Dear Justicia y Paz, 

Fossil fuels are the root cause of the climate crisis, and their harm extends to human health at every stage of their life cycle, from extraction and refining to transportation and disposal. 

The impact is severe and cumulative, with marginalized communities and future generations bearing the heaviest burden. One of the deadliest consequences is air pollution—over 80% of which is directly linked to fossil fuels, causing 1 in 5 deaths worldwide each year. Phasing out oil, gas, and coal extraction is therefore one of the most powerful global health interventions, capable of preventing diseases, protecting vulnerable populations, and saving millions of lives.

However, a health-based just transition must go beyond simply adopting renewables. It must fundamentally transform energy systems to prioritize health equity.

As a bridge between civil society and governments, the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative is uniquely positioned to facilitate a dialogue, for this deep transformation, among health institutions, nation-states, UN agencies, cities, Indigenous peoples, and climate justice movements. Together, we are building a health-centered energy transition—one that ensures everyone can #BreatheLife.

This is why we will attend the WHO Second Air Pollution and Health Conference in Cartagena, and host key discussions that you will be able to join in person or remotely:

"Air, Land, and Climate: Voices from Anti-Fracking Movements" 

March 24 | 14:00 - 16:00 GMT -5 (COL) 

Communities at the frontline of extraction will share testimonies on how fossil fuel operations—especially fracking—devastate health, land, and water.

📍Centro de Convenciones de Cartagena de Indias CCCI, Salón Barahona 4 & Online

Register for Virtual Session

Welcome Reception: "Clear Skies, Healthy Energies" 

March 24 | 18:30 - 20:30 GMT -5 (COL) 

Hosted with the Clean Air Fund, this gathering will foster connections among health, climate, and justice advocates fighting for a fossil-free future.

📍Terraza del Claustro de las Ánimas, Centro de Convenciones de Cartagena

"Clean Energy = Clean Air: Why Cooperation to Phase Out Fossil Fuels is Essential for Public Health" 

March 28 | 9:00 - 12:00 GMT -5 (COL) 

Global experts, scientists, and activists will make the case for a health-centered energy transition, showing that international cooperation to phase out fossil fuels is a life-saving intervention.

📍Centro de Convenciones de Cartagena de Indias CCCI, Salón Barahona 1 & Online

Register for Virtual Session

To #BreatheLife, it is time to imagine an energy transition that ensures clean air is not a privilege for some while others continue to suffer. Our latest policy brief, Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to Curb Air Pollution Health Harms, released for the occasion, highlights the imperative to phase out fossil fuels in an equitable manner to curb air pollution health harms, especially for vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected.

Follow our work in Cartagena by attending these events or following our social media accounts. We are building momentum for a Fossil Fuel Treaty as a comprehensive solution to address the root cause of the climate crisis while advancing health justice for all. 

In solidarity,
Lucas Snaije

Senior Global Coordinator, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty