Clean Air Day Calls for Global Action on Pollution
The International Day for Clean Air and Blue Skies, celebrated annually on September 7, this year focused on the theme ‘Invest in #CleanAirNow.’ The campaign underscores the economic, environmental, and health benefits of clean air, emphasizing the urgent need for global investment. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2019, the Day aims to highlight the detrimental effects of air pollutants and the necessity of clean air for human health.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described pollution as a silent killer and urged immediate investment to combat it, noting that 99% of the global population breathes polluted air. This air pollution leads to millions of premature deaths and exacerbates the climate crisis. Guterres stressed that the poorest and most vulnerable communities, including women, children, and older persons, are disproportionately affected.
Guterres advocated for a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, businesses, and development organizations. He called for reducing fossil fuel use, transitioning to clean cooking methods, and enhancing air quality monitoring. "Investing in clean air saves lives, combats climate change, strengthens economies, builds fairer societies, and advances the Sustainable Development Goals," he said, urging immediate action.
Guterres’ message aligns with a new report from the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which illustrates the devastating effects of climate change, wildfires, and air pollution on human health. The report highlighted that 2023 saw record-breaking wildfire seasons in both hemispheres, significantly deteriorating air quality in regions like eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. WMO Deputy-Secretary-General Ko Barrett emphasized that climate change and air quality must be addressed together for mutual benefits.
Additionally, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) labeled air pollution as the biggest environmental health risk of our time, pointing to its impact on climate change, agriculture, and economies. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stressed that the right to clean air is being violated globally and called for comprehensive actions, including robust air quality standards, renewable energy adoption, sustainable transport, and industry accountability. UNEP believes tackling air pollution proactively can lead to transformative change and healthier air worldwide.
Original Story https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2024/09/1154051
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