Air pollution kills thousands a year in the UK and abroad - why isn't there a bigger uproar? | Devi Sridhar

Initiatives such as London's ULEZ can be a model for other cities. But even more could be done to save lives and protect us from deadly toxins in the airBreathwork is everywhere, whether it's in yoga studios, corporate retreats or self-help reels. We're told to "just breathe". Be mindful. Lower our stress levels. Inhale. Exhale. In the yogic tradition, bringing clean air into our lungs and our body (pranayama in Sanskrit) is about purifying and detoxing, and then exhaling what we don't need. That all sounds great if you live on a remote island or in the middle of a forest - but what if that air isn't cleansing us, but making us sick?According to the World Health Organization, 99% of the global population is exposed to air-pollution levels that exceed its health-based guidelines and air pollution is now the world's single largest environmental risk, linked to nearly 7 million premature deaths each year. This isn't an issue of future climate collapse or one that will affect future generations. This is about today - and the damage polluted air is doing to our hearts, lungs, brains and blood vessels.Prof Devi Sridhar is chair of global public health at the University of EdinburghFit Forever: Wellness for midlife and beyond On Wednesday 28 January 2026, join Annie Kelly, Devi Sridhar, Joel Snape and Mariella Frostrup, as they discuss how to enjoy longer and healthier lives, with expert advice and practical tips. Book tickets here or at guardian.live Continue reading...