TEHRAN – The World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Tehran has taken a symbolic step towards improving the environment and planted trees to highlight the important need for urban action to tackle dangerous air quality.
The staff meeting on March 11th included a full-time staff member and four trees were planted in the backyards of the WHO Iran facility, representing their commitment to a sustainable future. This action served as a concrete demonstration of the organization’s commitment to climate-friendly interventions and the improvement of public health within Tehran’s challenging urban environment.
“Integrating trees into a climate strategy will help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, increase resilience and create healthier communities,” said a representative from the WHO Iran office.
Tehran, a vast metropolitan city surrounded by mountains, is trapped in air pollutants that have been exacerbated by winter temperature reversals.
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. According to the WHO Iran website, it has been revealed that between 2023 and 2024, particulate matter (PM2.5) levels fell to air quality guidelines only on days when only 3.2%.
The WHO Iran office recognizes the key role of trees in the fight against air pollution, highlighting its ability to generate oxygen, absorb pollutants and sequester carbon dioxide.
Trees also provide important urban benefits, reduce the energy consumption of buildings due to shade and cooling, increase mental and physical well-being, and support urban biodiversity.
March 5th is celebrated annually as National Tree Planting Day by planting seedlings all over the country.
The event was held last month of the Iranian calendar on the 15th day of the Esfund, marking the beginning of the National Week of Natural Resources. In addition, this day is approved to be registered on the national calendar as “Environmental Protection Education Day.”