World Clean Air Day: The UN and the Battle for Blue Skies
Launched by the UN General Assembly in 2019, the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies spotlights the essential fight against air pollution.
Since its inception, the observance has annually promoted different themes to highlight and mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on health, environments and economies worldwide.
The harsh reality of air pollution
Statistics reveal the broad and deep impact of air pollution: an overwhelming 99% of the global population breathes polluted air, leading to around 8.1 million deaths in 2021.
The majority of these fatalities were due to non-communicable diseases, further highlighting the urgency to clean the air we all share.
Dr Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization, stresses the pervasive nature of the threat.
She said: "Air pollution is a silent killer that affects every one of us, regardless of where we live. The health impacts are severe and far-reaching, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly."
The economic toll of dirty air
While the health stakes are clear, the economic damage inflicted by air pollution is equally striking, with an estimated global cost of $8.1tn, or 6.1% of the global GDP.
The burden stems mainly from healthcare costs and lost productivity. Yet, therein lies an economic opportunity: targeted actions to improve air quality could save billions and significantly cut global crop losses by 2050.
John Smith of CleanTech Innovations underscores the budding financial rationale for investing in clean air solutions.
"Companies that take proactive steps to reduce their emissions and develop clean air technologies are not only contributing to public health but are also positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape," he said.
"Companies that take proactive steps to reduce their emissions and develop clean air technologies are not only contributing to public health but are also positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape."
Global and local efforts to clear the skies
Across the globe, governments are striving to combat air pollution through ambitious policies and practical solutions.
The European Union's goal to slash premature deaths from particulate matter by 2025 stands out, supported by directives aimed at reducing dangerous pollutants.
London's expanded Ultra-Low Emissions Zone, now the world's largest, is another innovative approach, offering financial incentives to retire non-compliant vehicles.
Actions like these, while impactful, are but pieces of a larger puzzle requiring global cooperation, as emphasised by Dr Inger Andersen of the UN Environment Programme.
"Air pollution knows no borders," she said.
Air pollution knows no borders
"We need stronger partnerships across sectors and nations to implement effective solutions. This includes accelerating the transition to renewable energy, improving urban planning, and promoting sustainable transport systems."
The International Day of Clean Air works to unify these efforts, encouraging worldwide participation and dialogue.
Towards a healthier, prosperous future
As the call for clean air grows louder in the face of climate change and pollution, the message is unequivocal: Investing in air quality improvements is essential for our environmental, social, and economic well-being.
Achim Steiner from the United Nations Development Programme voices the critical, time-sensitive nature of this investment, urging collective action.
He said: "Clean air is fundamental to human health, sustainable development and climate action. By investing in clean air now, we are investing in a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable future for all.
By investing in clean air now, we are investing in a healthier, more prosperous, and more equitable future for all
"The costs of inaction are simply too high to ignore."
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