By Sushmi Dey for Times of India.

NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action to avoid climate change by reducing emissions of black carbon, ozone and methane as well as carbon dioxide. This is the first time that the agency has recommended actions that countries must take to reduce emissions that account for more than seven million premature deaths annually.

Deaths due to air pollution increased fourfold across the globe over the past decade and China and India were by far the worst affected countries.

The suggested measures include encouraging people to eat plant-based foods and reduce methane emissions associated with some animal sourced food. Besides, WHO’s recommendations include reduction of vehicle emission, increased investment and policy measures along with providing alternative cooking fuel to low income households who are dependent primarily on wood, dung and other solid fuels for heating and cooking.

“For the first time, this report recommends actions that countries, health and environment ministries, and cities can take right now to reduce emissions, protect health and avoid illness and premature deaths, which often take the greatest toll on the most vulnerable,” Dr Flavia Bustreo, assistant director-general of WHO, said.