Photo: WMO/Hyunju Yu
06 Sep 2023 Video Air quality

Everyone must work together to beat air pollution: UNEP Executive Director

Thursday, 7 September marks the fourth annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies. Held under the theme Together For Clean Air it comes as more than 99 per cent of the global population breathes polluted air, which can trigger serious health complications.

In a video message, United Nations Environment Programme Executive (UNEP) Director Inger Andersen called upon all stakeholders to work together to address air pollution and promote clean air.

“Air cannot be contained by human boundaries. Dirty air in one city or country becomes dirty air in another,” she said. “I call on governments, the private sector and all parties to increase action and investments and work together to beat air pollution.”

Every year, on 7 September, the world celebrates the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies. The day aims to raise awareness and facilitate actions to improve air quality. It is a global call to find new ways of doing things, to reduce the amount of air pollution we cause and ensure that everyone, everywhere can enjoy their right to breathe clean air.