The message from this year’s International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, held on 7 September, is that the fight against air pollution needs a global response.
From panel discussions in Africa and Asia to expert meetings in South America, people from around the world hosted events to celebrate the day and called for urgent action to tackle this global emergency.
Held under the theme #TogetherForCleanAir, the fourth annual observance highlighted the need for strong partnerships and increased investments to counter air pollution.
In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that “global problems require global solutions.”
“Our air is a common good and a common responsibility. Let’s work together to clean it up, protect our health, and leave a healthy planet for generations to come.”
About 99 per cent of the world breathes polluted air, which kills 6.7 million people a year and sickens many others. Air pollution comes from a wide array of sources, both natural and human-caused, and often crosses borders.
This International Day of Clean Air came amid a year in which air pollution has dominated headlines. Through a combination of rising industrial activity, deforestation, wildfires, sandstorms and other causes, air pollution has spiked beyond safe levels in countries like Canada, China, India, Thailand, the United States and more.
“Everyone has a right to live in a clean and healthy environment,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “So, on the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, I call on governments, the private sector and all parties to increase action and investments and work together to beat air pollution.”
Here are five highlights from the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies.
Leaders call for increased collaboration
Han Wha-jin, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Korea, highlighted the country’s work to promote policy measures and establish international partnerships to combat air pollution.
“For healthy human life and sustainable nature and environment, clean air is the essential element,” she said. “We will stay committed to working with our neighbouring countries and stakeholders.”
A new UNEP report found that robust policies and governance frameworks substantially reduced air pollution levels in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi, which are home to a combined 26 million people.
Against the backdrop of the Africa Climate Week and Summit, Nairobi Governor Sakaja Arthur Johnson urged everyone to “get tough about pollution.”
“We know that our cities definitely bear the brunt of (the air pollution) burden, particularly here in Africa,” he said. “We are working … to roll out a system of county-wide air quality monitors. We need direct, high-quality information to enforce the pollution rules.”
West Asian countries push for air quality network
Countries in West Asia recommended the establishment of a regional air quality network at a meeting in Amman, Jordan.
The network would allow countries to assess the status of air quality management, identify work priorities and improve global data and accountability.
In West Asia, human-caused emissions from energy, industry and transport often combine with pollution in the form of sand and dust storms.
“We all share the same need to breathe air of adequate quality,” said Sami Dimassi, the UNEP Representative and Regional Director for West Asia. “Informed decision-making and implementation of effective measures based on science-policy dialogues are key to improve air quality in the region.”
Celebrities call for action on air pollution
Celebrities joined the appeal for clean air, with actors Aidan Gallagher and Dia Mirza, and motorsport champion Lucas Di Grassi sharing air pollution messaging with their combined 12.6 million followers on Instagram.
“The air we breathe has become poisoned,” Mirza said. “Every micro action can lead to profound change.”
More than 10,000 people used International Day of Clean Air hashtags in their social media posts, with India, the United Kingdom and the United States the most active countries.
WHO previews toolkit for health workers
The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed its first air pollution and health training toolkit specifically tailored for health workers during a webinar. The toolkit will train them to recognize the health risks of air pollution.
“Health workers are on the front lines of patient care,” said Dr. Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO. “Empowering health care providers to identify instances where air pollution impacts well-being and communities is paramount to public and global health.”
The toolkit builds upon WHO’s work in Ghana and other areas, and it will be formally launched at the end of 2023.
NASA satellite sheds light on air pollution
Experts from UNEP, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other institutions hosted an event to discuss the impacts of air pollution on the environment and human health. Held at NASA’s Ozone Bioindicator Garden in Maryland, the United States, the agency shared the latest data from its TEMPO satellite, which monitors air pollution trends in North America from space.
Launched in April, TEMPO is the first space-based instrument to measure air quality over North America hourly during the daytime. Experts say this data can improve studies of pollution caused by rush-hour traffic, the movement of smoke and ash from wildfires and volcanoes, and the effects of fertilizer use on farmland. It will also help scientists evaluate the health impacts of pollutants and improve their understanding of disparities in air quality within communities
Every year, on 7 September, the world celebrates the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies. The day aims to raise awareness and facilitate actions to improve air quality. It is a global call to find new ways of doing things, to reduce the amount of air pollution we cause, and ensure that everyone, everywhere can enjoy their right to breathe clean air.
