Air pollution levels increase by 8% globally Reports from the WHO indicate that between 2008 and 2013, air pollution levels increased by eight percent among cities monitored globally. Every year an estimated 6.5 million people die from lung cancer, stroke and heart diseases associated with air pollution. The WHO Director of Public Health, Dr. Maria Neira at the COP 22 Climate Conference in Marakesh, Morocco said it is heart-warming that the Paris Agreement considered a Public Health Treaty. GBC