THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLEAN AIR FOR  BLUE SKIES IS CELEBRATED ON 7 SEPTEMBER IN AN UN DESIGNATED DAY TO RAISE GLOBAL AWARENESS  IMPACT ABOUT THE AIR POLLUTION ON HUMAN AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH AND TO MOBILIZE  COLLECTIVE ACTION 

Origins and Purpose

Global Recognition:

The United Nations General Assembly established September 7th as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in 2019 to build on the growing international focus on air quality issues. 

Raising Awareness:

The day serves as a global platform to highlight that air pollution is the single greatest environmental health risk and a major avoidable cause of death and disease worldwide. 

Mobilizing Action:

It encourages governments, communities, corporations, and individuals to take concrete steps to improve air quality and build a global community focused on clean air. 

The Urgency of Clean Air

Health Impacts:

Air pollution has severe consequences for human health, leading to premature deaths from conditions like heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. 

Environmental Linkages:

Air quality is closely connected to other critical environmental challenges, including climate change. Air pollutants often contribute to both health problems and global warming. 

Economic and Social Costs:

Poor air quality diminishes quality of life, increases social care costs, and lowers human productivity. 

Key Themes and Actions

Collaborative Action:

The day stresses the importance of stronger partnerships and shared responsibility to tackle air pollution, which is a transboundary issue. 

Solutions and Investment:

The focus is on promoting and facilitating solutions, sharing best practices, and encouraging investment in clean air measures. 

Individual and Collective Responsibility:

Individuals are encouraged to make changes in their daily lives, such as using sustainable transport, and to lobby for improvements to green spaces and air quality initiatives. 

How to Participate

Learn More:

Visit the official website for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies to access reports and information, according to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. 

Support Policies:

Advocate for and support government policies that reduce emissions and promote clean air. 

Adopt Sustainable Habits:

Engage in personal actions like reducing energy consumption, choosing sustainable transport, and participating in recycling and composting programs.