Wednesday 22 April 2015

Musicians, nations join to end ‘deadly’ pollution

Government officials from around the world joined top musicians such as will.i.am, Gwen Stefani and Usher to commit to ending air pollution.

The ‘Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day’ in Washington DC attracted thousands of people and took place over the weekend, with officials from Egypt, Germany, Nigeria and Norway.

The star-studded free concert was put together to bring attention to the need to tackle climate change as well as help end extreme poverty and highlight the role ordinary citizens can play in helping reduce pollution.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated seven million people were killed by diseases related to air pollution in 2012.

Norway said it would invest £8 million over the next four years to help fight air pollution in developing countries.

Børge Brende, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said: “We know what needs to be done. The technology exists. And any action we take will have almost immediate effect. What are we waiting for?

“Get rid of the smoke and people survive. It is as simple as that.”