Marking the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Thursday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a powerful call for increased international cooperation to address the “global emergency” of worsening air pollution.
Airborne contaminants are one of the most significant environmental health risks. According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), 99 per cent of the world’s population breathes polluted air, with the exposure significantly worse in low and middle-income countries.
The pervasive nature of air pollution requires global collaboration. This year’s theme, Together for Clean Air, addresses the urgent need for stronger international partnerships, increased investment, and collective responsibility to cut air pollution.
“Global problems require global solutions. We must act together for clean air,” said Mr. Guterres.
“Together, we must accelerate a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, particularly coal, towards clean renewable energy, while ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Air pollution
Air pollution is defined as any chemical, physical, or biological contaminant that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
Household cookers and other combustion devices, cars, industrial facilities, and forest fires are the most common sources of air pollution. Air pollution exists both outdoors and indoors, and both severely impact human health.
Pollutants which are particularly dangerous include carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide.
Air pollution also includes PM2.5, inhalable particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter – less than that of human hair.
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These particulates are invisible to the human eye and can penetrate deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation, enter the bloodstream, and damage the heart and brain.
Health impacts
Exposure dramatically increases the risk of strokes, heart and lung disease, cancer, and other ailments, leading to over 6.7 million premature deaths annually, according to WHO.
Air pollution also affects plants, reduces crop yields and impacts food security. It worsens social and gender inequality, and slows economic development, limiting the ability of countries to meet their development goals.
“Exposure at any level can have health implications that impair quality of life and come with costs for the individual, our societies, and our economies,” said Martina Otto, head of the secretariat of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
“We’ve tended to express health impacts through the number of premature deaths. But our day-to-day quality of life is affected, too. Air pollution impacts all age groups but those with higher vulnerability suffer the most,” she added.
“Just as reducing air pollution is key to improving human health, it is also key to tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, as well as helping us achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Ms. Otto.
Smart choices
Solutions to improve air quality vary based on local contexts and sectors.
At the individual level, people can initiate change by making decisions that promote clean air, such as making environmentally friendly purchases and using cleaner methods of transportation and cooking.
Businesses and corporations can add air quality to corporate social responsibility considerations, monitor and publicly report pollution emissions, and promote programmes that reduce emissions.
Shift towards clean energy
Governments should create and enforce air pollution standards to achieve milestones outlined in the 2021 World Health Organization guidelines, in addition to increasing their capacity to monitor air quality.
“Together, we must accelerate a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, particularly coal, towards clean renewable energy, while ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Mr. Guterres.
“Our air is a common good and a common responsibility. Let’s work together to clean it up, protect our health, and leave a healthy planet for generations to come.”
The International Day
The International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, to be commemorated on 7 September annually, was established in 2019 by the UN General Assembly, which recognized the importance of clean air and the impact of air pollution on human health and ecosystems, in particular its disproportionate affect on women, children and older persons.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
Airborne contaminants are one of the most significant environmental health risks. According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), 99 per cent of the world’s population breathes polluted air, with the exposure significantly worse in low and middle-income countries. The pervasive nature of air pollution requires global collaboration. This year’s theme, Together for Clean Air, addresses the urgent need for stronger international partnerships, increased investment, and collective responsibility to cut air pollution. “Global problems require global solutions. We must act together for clean air,” said Mr. Guterres. “Together, we must accelerate a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, particularly coal, towards clean renewable energy, while ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Air pollution is a serious threat that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s high time we prioritize clean air and take concrete actions to tackle this global emergency. Mr. Guterres’ call for increased international cooperation is crucial in the fight against worsening air pollution.
Does the article mention any specific actions that countries are committing to take in order to combat air pollution?
Yes, the article emphasizes the importance of stronger international partnerships, increased investment, and collective responsibility to cut air pollution. Mr. Guterres highlights the need for a transition away from fossil fuels towards clean renewable energy and ensuring no one is left behind. It’s a call for global cooperation and action to combat the worsening air pollution crisis.
How can individual citizens contribute to reducing air pollution on a global scale? Is there a role for local communities in this effort?
Individual citizens play a crucial role in reducing air pollution globally. Simple actions such as using public transport, carpooling, conserving energy, and planting trees can all make a difference. Local communities can also contribute by advocating for cleaner air policies, organizing clean-up initiatives, and promoting sustainable practices. Every small effort adds up to create a significant impact towards a cleaner environment for all.
Do you think individual efforts to reduce air pollution are sufficient, or is there a need for more coordinated global action?
Does the article mention any specific actions that individuals can take to contribute to cleaner air?
Does the article provide any specific examples of international cooperation initiatives proposed by Guterres to tackle air pollution?
As a passionate environmental advocate, I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Guterres. It’s high time we all get our act together and prioritize clean air for the health and wellbeing of our planet and all its inhabitants. The statistics on polluted air are alarming, and global collaboration is essential in tackling this pressing issue. Let’s work together for a cleaner and greener future!
Air pollution is a pressing issue that demands immediate action. It’s time for all nations to come together and prioritize measures to reduce air pollution for the well-being of everyone. Mr. Guterres’ call for global cooperation is crucial in combating this environmental crisis.
Airborne contaminants are undoubtedly one of the most significant environmental health risks that we face today. It’s alarming to know that 99 per cent of the world’s population is breathing polluted air, with the situation being even more severe in low and middle-income countries. This year’s theme, Together for Clean Air, emphasizes the necessity for stronger international partnerships, increased investments, and shared responsibility in combating air pollution. Mr. Guterres is absolutely right in stating that global problems demand global solutions. It’s imperative that we come together for clean air and expedite a just and fair transition from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy, ensuring inclusivity every step of the way.