International Day of Clean Air for blue skies 2021

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

Clean air is important for the health and day-to-day lives of people. Air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health and one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide each year and that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. In addition, air pollution disproportionately affects women, children and older persons.

Air pollution doesn’t only affect human health, it also negatively impacts the climate, economic growth and our natural environment. Air pollution decreases the oxygen supply in our oceans, making it harder for plants to grow and, as such, contributes to climate change. The good news is that air pollution is largely avoidable and its negative consequences are preventable. Solutions are known and can be implemented.

7 September 2021 is the second International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, as set out in the UN General Assembly resolution 74/212.  The international community acknowledges that improving air quality can enhance climate change mitigation and that climate change mitigation efforts can improve air quality.

2021 Theme: Healthy Air, Healthy Planet

The theme of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies 2021 is Healthy Air, Healthy Planet, which emphasizes the correlation between human and planetary health. It is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Events

Various events are planed around the world in support of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

Celebrating the 2nd International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

7 September 2021 | 15:00 CEST | UNEP | Online

Air Quality Beyond Borders – Best Practices in Policy on Air Quality Management

7 September 2021 | 10:00 CEST | Climate and Clean Air Coalition | Online

News

• International Day of Clean Air for blue skies highlights links between human and planetary health | UNEP | 7 September 2021
• The Gap Between Air Pollution Pacesetters and Laggards in Europe and Central Asia Has Widened, New Report Finds | UNEP | 3 September 2021
• 1 in 3 countries Have No Outdoor Air Quality Requirements: UN Report | The Hill | 2 September 2021
• Less Air pollution and More Access to Green or Blue Spaces: A Recipe to Improve the Life Quality of People with COPD | Science Daily | 2 September 2021
• Long-Term Exposure to Low Levels of Air Pollution May Be Linked to Higher Mortality | News Medical | 2 September 2021
• Air Pollution Linked to More Severe Mental Illness – Study | The Guardian | 27 August 2021
• These Five Cities Are Taking Aim at Air Pollution | UNEP | 27 August 2021
• Climate Change: Global Greenhouse Gas Levels Were Highest Ever in 2020 Despite Lockdowns, Study Finds | SkyNews | 26 August 2021