Tehran is hosting the first international conference on air pollution management on February 15 and 16. The event focuses on air pollution management and solutions. Experts from various countries are attending to discuss strategies and share knowledge. The conference, organized by the Meteorological Organization, covers six main topics. These include using modern technologies to reduce emissions in industry and transport sectors. It also emphasizes developing clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Other topics focus on promoting urban innovation in air pollution management. Experts also discuss decarbonizing energy-intensive industries and adopting effective policies. Finally, the conference highlights public health, climate, and social impacts of pollution. Officials say the main goal is to create a framework to assess the current pollution levels. They aim to develop strategies to lower pollution across the country. In particular, major cities like Tehran and Mashhad face serious air pollution problems.
Shina Ansari, head of the Department of Environment, stated that old vehicles are a major cause of air pollution. She explained that renewing the transportation fleet can reduce pollution and improve public health. Worn-out cars emit nine times more pollutants than modern vehicles and use twice as much fuel. Over the past years, the clean air law and vehicle scrapping programs have faced challenges in enforcement. Nevertheless, in the Iranian year 1403, authorities scrapped 350,000 old vehicles. Since then, about 530,000 cars have been dismantled nationwide. Ansari urged all responsible organizations to make transportation renewal a priority.
In December 2025, Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raeisi emphasized the importance of implementing the clean air law. Air pollution causes 57,000 deaths in the country each year. Raeisi called for public health to be a top priority in all major decisions. Scientific studies show that particles from pollution cause heart and lung diseases, lung cancer, asthma, decreased fertility, and shorter life expectancy. In Isfahan, air pollution causes 2,029 deaths annually. In Arak, it causes 661 deaths. Health costs linked to air pollution reach 796 million dollars in Isfahan and 2.564 million dollars in Arak.
Experts highlight that enforcing strict laws, using renewable energy, and approving protective regulations are key to reducing pollution. They stress that public awareness and government action must work together. Improving air pollution management will protect both public health and the economy. The conference continues until February 16, providing a platform for experts to share ideas on tackling air pollution management challenges effectively.