Asia Pacific Commemoration of the 5th International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
5-6 September 2024
Bangkok, Thailand
Overview
Air pollution remains the primary environmental health risk globally, leading to premature deaths and widespread health issues. The most recent study shows that Air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, becoming the second leading risk factor for death, including for children under five years. In 2021, more than 700,000 deaths in children under five years were linked to air pollution.
Despite the critical nature of the issue, between 2015 and 2021, less than 1 per cent of international development funding was committed to outdoor air pollution, with most committed funding going to just a handful of countries. This calls for urgent and amplified action.
On November 26, 2019, the Second Committee of the 74th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 7 September as the “International Day of Clean Air for blue skies”.
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.
The Asia Pacific Commemoration of the Fifth International Day of Clean Air for blue skies will be held from 5 to 6 September 2024, under the theme of "Invest in #CleanAirNow." It emphasizes the economic, environmental, and health benefits of investing in clean air and aims to engage governments, industries, corporations, financial institutions, international organizations, and actors of civil society.
Despite the significant harm air pollution causes to our economies, our planet and our health, clean air efforts remain chronically underfunded. There is a critical need for investment, robust policies, legislation, and climate action to combat air pollution.
By committing to investing in clean air, we can help prevent far greater economic, environmental, and health-related expenses down the line.
For further inquiries, please contact UNEP ROAP
