11 March 2025, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran – On Iran's National Tree Planting Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Tehran took a symbolic step towards environmental improvement, planting trees amidst the city's severe air pollution challenges. The initiative highlights the critical need for environmental action in a city grappling with hazardous air quality.
Tehran, a sprawling metropolis nestled among mountains, suffers from trapped air pollutants, exacerbated by winter temperature inversions. The city's high elevation (1,200–1,800 meters above sea level) contributes to lower oxygen levels, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion and increased emissions. Alarming data reveals that in the 2023-2024 period, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels fell within WHO air quality guidelines only on a mere 3.2% of days.
PM2.5, a dangerous pollutant, penetrates deep into the lungs and enters the bloodstream, impacting major organs. Exposure is linked to severe health issues, including stroke, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emerging research also suggests a connection between prenatal exposure to high levels of air pollution and developmental delays in children, as well as later psychological and behavioral problems like ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
The WHO Iran office recognizes the vital role of trees in combating air pollution, the WHO Iran office emphasized their ability to produce oxygen, absorb pollutants, and sequester carbon dioxide. Trees also offer crucial urban benefits, reducing building energy consumption through shade and cooling, enhancing mental and physical well-being, and supporting urban biodiversity.
"By integrating trees into climate strategies, we can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and create healthier communities" stated a representative from the WHO Iran office.
The WHO Iran's Green Office Committee (GOC_WHO IR), dedicated to promoting health and environmental protection, spearheaded the tree-planting effort. In a staff meeting, with full personnel participation, four trees were planted in the WHO Iran premises' backyard, symbolizing a commitment to a sustainable future. This action serves as a tangible demonstration of the organization's dedication to climate-friendly interventions and the improvement of public health within the challenging urban environment of Tehran.
