Invest in #CleanAirNow

The fifth International Day of Clean Air for blue skies takes place on 7 September 2024. This day highlights the urgent need to address the evolving threat of air pollution and its severe impact on health, economies, and community resilience.

Air pollution has long contributed to death and disease, undermining economic prospects and community well-being. 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.

Like climate change, air pollution affects everyone but impacts pregnant people, babies and children, older people, those living in poverty, and historically marginalized communities. The enormity and immediacy of these challenges cannot be ignored.

Held under the theme "Invest in #CleanAirNow", this year's observance emphasizes the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility to combat air pollution. It is the second leading risk factor for death, causing around 8.1 million premature deaths annually from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Statistics help us grasp the magnitude of the issue: 99% of people worldwide breathe polluted air; air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths in 2021, with over 90% associated with noncommunicable diseases; and more than 700,000 children under five deaths were from causes related to household and outdoor air pollution.

If we act now, we can halve global crop losses from air pollutants by 2050. Reducing emissions of methane, an important greenhouse gas and air pollutant, could save between $4 billion to $33 billion. The cost of inaction is staggering, with air pollution estimated to cost the global economy $8.1 trillion per year, equivalent to 6.1% of the global GDP due to increased healthcare costs.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the necessity of reducing air pollution to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is crucial for human rights and well-being.

We urge governments, corporations, civil society, and individuals to come together and Invest in #CleanAirNow for transformative changes.

Join the observation of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies by sharing your actions on social media using the hashtags #CleanAirNow and #WorldCleanAirDay. Be part of the conversation and make a difference.