The first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is observed on 7th September, 2020. It is an important and exciting new international day celebrating at first in the world “Clean Air for blue skies”. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution to hold an International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on December 19, 2019, during its 74th session and invited the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to facilitate the observance of the International Day, in collaboration with other relevant organizations. The resolution stresses the importance of and urgent need to raise public awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions to improve air quality.
Theme: 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 celebration, it is recognized that the air we breathe is shared by everyone and we all can do our part for clean air. This first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies provides solutions of air pollution and necessary actions to improve air quality and provide Clean Air for All.
Air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health, causing seven 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 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 and to raise ambitions for action against air pollution and climate change. This includes cooperation to increase the collection of air quality data, carry out joint research, develop new technologies and share best practices. It also aims to raise awareness of the many solutions available to beat air pollution.
This first day commemoration takes place virtually due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Raise public awareness at all levels individual, community, corporate and government that clean air is important for health, productivity, the economy and the environment.
Demonstrate the close link of air quality to other environmental/developmental challenges such as most and foremost climate change and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Promote and facilitate solutions that improve air quality by sharing actionable knowledge best practices, innovations, and success stories.
Bring together diverse international level people working on this topic to form a strategic alliance to gain momentum for concerted national, regional and international approaches for effective air quality management.
On this day, I call on people, communities, businesses and local and national governments to make commitments and take steps that lead to a future without air pollution. The Day also serves as an occasion to reflect on personal contribution to improve clean air of the environment and to encourage concerted action for a sustainable future.
Director
Department of Environment