International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2024; Invest in #AireLimpiAwo

This day focuses on the urgency and need to address the threat of air pollution and its impact on health, the economy, and community resilience.

99% of people breathe air classified as “unsafe.” Air pollution is the most significant health factor of our time. It causes conditions associated with the heart, lungs, cancer, strokes, and more, leading to premature death. This phenomenon also affects our environment by decreasing the amount of oxygen in our oceans and soil, making it harder for plants to grow, thus contributing to the global climate crisis. Burning fuels and biomass also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, causing global warming.

Like climate change, air pollution affects everyone, but it has a significant impact on pregnant women, babies and children, the elderly, those living in poverty, and historically marginalized communities. Air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths in 2021, with over 90% associated with non-communicable diseases; more than 700,000 children under the age of five died from causes related to air pollution.

Air pollution hinders economic growth, increases healthcare costs, and reduces worker productivity. The importance of clean air is directly related to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, SDG goal #3 covers good health and well-being for all, goal #11 refers to sustainable cities and goal #7 concerns access to clean energy. SDG goal #13 addresses effective action to combat climate change.
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is a day for reflection and to incorporate changes into daily life, encouraging others to take larger-scale action that can bring changes to achieve clean air.

Every citizen can contribute to the cause by:

• Reducing waste;
• composting organic food; 
• recycling non-organic waste;
• using reusable shopping bags; 
• avoiding single-use products; 
• switching to a lifestyle that promotes better health;
• considering cleaner transportation methods such as biking or walking short distances;
• encouraging carpooling;
• not burning waste.

Additionally, citizens can:

• Plant trees;
• organize clean-up actions;
• and collaborate with artists and musicians to create events and exhibitions that raise awareness in our community.

For International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2024, share your actions on social media using the hashtags #AireLimpiAwo and #WorldCleanAirDay. Be part of the change and make a difference.