The air pollution It is a silent threat. We cannot see it, but we breathe it in. It is present in big cities, in industrial areas, in our homes and, increasingly, in our discussions about health, sustainability and climate justice. How can we combat an enemy that is not always visible to the naked eye?

In this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by the expert voice of Kenneth Ortega from ONERA, an organisation dedicated to promoting real solutions to the environmental crisis. In this episode, we discuss how air quality is directly linked to our energy, economic and social decisions.

Beyond CO₂: a threat we breathe in

“Air pollution is the most immediate symptom of a system that no longer works. It affects health, the climate, the economy… and hits the most vulnerable hardest,” says Kenneth Ortega.

It is not just about carbon dioxide. The air we breathe is full of fine particles, nitrogen oxides and other compounds that directly affect the lungs of millions of people every day. The World Health Organisation considers that the Air pollution kills more than 7 million people a year.

ONERA’s approach: sustainability with a real impact

At ONERA, Ortega promotes a vision that goes beyond regulatory compliance. His approach is based on a clear idea: “It is not enough simply to measure emissions; we must tackle them with bold, collaborative and sustainable solutions.”.

The company designs integrated strategies to reduce pollutant emissions in sectors such as transport, industry and construction, always taking a scientific and people-centred approach. For them, improving air quality also means improving quality of life.

Tackling greenwashing with data and transparency

During the interview, Kenneth Ortega also highlights one of the major challenges of our time: disinformation and greenwashing.

“We cannot keep talking about sustainability whilst we are breathing toxic air. Air pollution is not solved by nice-sounding campaigns, but by measurable plans with verifiable results.”.

It is time to move beyond empty rhetoric and embrace the truth: air pollution is not inevitable, but it requires political will, corporate commitment and an informed public.

A necessary and urgent transformation

Reduce the air pollution It is not just an environmental issue. It is a matter of public health, equity and survival. The decisions we make today on transport, energy and consumption will determine the quality of the air that future generations will breathe.