Air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to the health of the planet and its people. It causes approximately seven million premature deaths annually and countless illnesses.

The United Nations General Assembly designated the first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, also known as World Clean Air Day, in 2019. Its 4th annual observance will be on September 7, 2024 (1).

What is the purpose of Clean Air Day?

World Clean Air Day aims to:

• Highlight the urgency of the world’s air quality problem.
• Motivate for more political action to combat air pollution.
• Call for international solidarity around the idea that every citizen of the world has a right to breathe clean air.

Key areas of focus include:

• Strengthening international air quality data collection standards.
• Combining scientific research efforts among nations.
• Identifying and sharing best practices and developing new technologies.

What is the theme of Clean Air Day?

As highlighted in the 2023 World Air Quality Report, addressing both climate change and air pollution at the same time is a feasible, necessary goal. Timely environmental improvements can lead to better health outcomes.

World Clean Air Day 2024’s theme, "Invest in #CleanAirNow," emphasizes the urgent need to confront pollution.

Global air quality guidelines

In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its Global Air Quality Guidelines based on new scientific findings. These updates revealed that the harmful effects of air pollution occur much lower exposure levels than was previously known. In response to these findings, WHO reduced their acceptable levels of exposure to various air pollutants required to maintain healthy populations.

In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised its PM2.5 air quality standards.

If more countries meet these lower target levels of air pollution, millions of lives will be saved. Still, experts estimate that nine out of ten people are consistently exposed to highly polluted air.

How you can take action and help

We’re all in this together. Governments, businesses, schools, and individuals can all make commitments to reduce air pollution, and help create a cleaner, greener world.

The role of private citizens

Individuals can make a difference by committing to:

• Leave your vehicle at home and use public transportation, cycle, or walk more.
• Reduce waste by reusing, recycling, and composting.
• Adopt a plant-based diet.
• Limit your use of single-use plastic products like straws, flatware, and condiment packets.
• Conserve energy by turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
• Purchase energy-efficient appliances.

The role of governments

Governments at the national, state, and local level have enormous power in the battle for cleaner air. To honor World Clean Air Day, the UN recommends governments pledge to:

• Join the BreatheLife Network to help raise public awareness of the harmful impacts of air pollution on health and climate.
• Organize campaigns, events, and activities to engage and inform citizens.
• Develop stronger air quality and climate change policies following the lead of the WHO’s air quality guidelines and the Paris Agreement.
• Create air quality action plans and improve air quality monitoring systems.
• Reduce fossil fuel subsidies and increase investments in renewable energy.
• Phase out fossil fuel-burning vehicles and create policies that encourage clean energy sources in homes.
• Improve solid waste management practices to decrease emissions.

On World Clean Air Day, city governments can offer free public transportation, hold tree-planting, bicycling, and walking events and in-person or virtual meetings with public officials and health professionals. Share pictures, videos, and stories of the day on social media using the hashtags #WorldCleanAirDay and #CleanAirNow.

The role of businesses

Businesses can have a significant impact in improving air quality by:

• Transitioning toward renewable energy sources.
• Using recycled and recyclable materials in products and packaging.
• Reducing air pollution emissions and waste from their production cycle.
• Purchasing hybrid or electric vehicles for their company fleet.
• Cooling facilities with fresh air ventilation or a hydrofluorocarbon system.

On World Clean Air Day, businesses can announce their commitments to creating cleaner, more sustainable ways of conducting business.

The role of schools

Educating students about the importance of good air quality and sustainability is vital. Schools can:

• Advocate for electric buses and bicycle-friendly campuses.
• Explore renewable energy options.
• Install air quality monitors on campuses and report the results to parents and the community.
• Designate “no car idling” zones near campuses.
• Create environmental clubs and organize tree-planting or garden-planting events.

On September 7, register clean air events here, and share pictures, videos and stories on social media using the hashtags #WorldCleanAirDay and #CleanAirNow.

It starts with knowledge

Sadly, most of the world’s population lacks access to real-time air quality data.

There is an ever-increasing need for comprehensive air quality monitoring and reporting systems. One such system delivers real-time air quality information to people in every corner of the world. A free download to this valuable air quality monitoring resource is available here.

Low-cost air quality monitors allow governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to effectively increase air quality knowledge around the globe.

The takeaway

The deaths and disease caused by air pollution are preventable. By raising air quality awareness and taking steps to solve the problem, we can begin to make the world a better place to breathe. Observing World Clean Air Day is a step towards achieving this goal. By participating and making changes, we contribute to a healthier planet and healthier lives for all.