The Sixth International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies will take place on 7 September.
This day was chosen by the United Nations to raise public awareness of the impact of air pollution on health and the environment, and to promote solutions to improve air quality.
This year’s edition will have the theme “Racing for Air”, to emphasise the need for collective solutions and actions to ensure clean air for all.
Air pollution has a serious impact on health, the economy, and the resilience of communities.
It is the second leading risk factor for death, causing approximately 8.1 million premature deaths per year from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
Many sources of air pollution — such as the burning of fossil fuels and biomass — also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, causing our planet to warm.
Ninety-nine per cent of people worldwide breathe polluted air.
In 2021, air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths, with over 90% associated with non-communicable diseases.
More than 700,000 children under the age of five died from causes related to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has stated:
“Air pollution is a global emergency — and a preventable one.
Today, nearly every person on Earth breathes air that is unsafe, contributing to millions of deaths every year — particularly among the elderly and children.
But solutions are within reach. We can rein in the pollutants that choke people and heat the planet by investing in renewable energy, improving waste management, halting deforestation — including wildfires — and promoting eco-friendly agriculture.
Bold policies are key, including stronger enforcement, public alert systems, and collaboration across borders.”
This day invites everyone to join the race towards new solutions.