First International Day of Clean Air for blue skies calls for global cooperation on air pollution is September 7

Where: Global, #WorldCleanAirDay

Date: 7 September 2020

More information: https://www.cleanairblueskies.org/

What: 7 September 2020 marks the first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies. The day was created following a December 2019 United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/RES/74/212) recognizing the need for increased awareness and international cooperation to reduce air pollution. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is responsible for facilitating observance of this Day. 

Air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health, causing 7 million premature deaths annually from diseases like stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. It is responsible for a substantial amount of disability for those living with these diseases. Many air pollutants are also powerful climate forcers, harming the health and well-being of those living today and making the world less safe for future generations.  

This Day aims to increase international cooperation at the global, regional and sub-regional levels. It provides a platform for strengthening global solidarity as well as to raise ambitions and political momentum for action against air pollution and climate change, including actions like the increased collection of air quality data, carrying out joint research, developing new technologies and sharing best practices. It also aims to raise awareness of the many solutions available to beat air pollution and their multiple benefits.

The Republic of Korea led global efforts to create this new International Day of Clean Air for blue skies and will host an event to start celebrations around the world on 7 September.

Clean Air for All

The theme of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies 2020 is Clean Air for All. On this first Day we recognize that the air we breathe is shared by everyone and we all can do our part for clean air.

The air we breathe knows no borders and envelopes and sustains all living things. Yet our relationship with this most basic lifegiving substance has changed. 9 out of 10 people around the world breathe air that does not meet World Health Organization guidelines for clean air.

The message of this first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is that air pollution doesn’t have to be a part of our collective future. We have the solutions and must take the necessary actions to improve air quality and provide #CleanAirForAll.

The Day calls on people, communities, businesses and local and national governments to make commitments and take steps that lead to a future without air pollution.  

This first commemoration takes place as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to prevent in-person gatherings. Most of the Day’s events will be held virtually.

EVENTS

The events will be also featured on the website (https://www.cleanairblueskies.org/) and social media platforms – hashtags for the Day include #CleanAirForAll and #WorldCleanAirDay

The event can be viewed live online here:  http://webtv.un.org/