UNIS/SGSM/1340
6 September 2023
Air pollution is a global emergency. Ninety-nine per cent of humanity breathes air laced with soot, sulphur and other toxic chemicals, with low- and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures. Every year, seven million people die prematurely as a result, and air pollution is intimately linked to global heating.
Air pollution knows no borders, travelling thousands of kilometres, spreading contaminates with the wind. And the climate crisis is having devastating and growing impacts on every continent on Earth.
Global problems require global solutions. We must act together for clean air – the theme of this year’s International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
Together, we must accelerate a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, particularly coal, towards clean renewable energy, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
To help achieve this, I have proposed a Climate Solidarity Pact in which all big emitters make extra efforts to cut emissions, and wealthier countries mobilize financial and technical resources to support emerging economies to do so. And I have proposed an Acceleration Agenda to super-charge these efforts. I urge all countries to put both into effect.
We must also support the transition to clean cooking and electric vehicles. We must encourage walking and cycling in cities, and put in place systems to make responsible waste management second nature. And we must act on the pledge to reduce methane emissions.
Our air is a common good and a common responsibility. Let’s work together to clean it up, protect our health, and leave a healthy planet for generations to come.
* *** *
The new Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (Vienna), Vu Le Thai Hoang, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations (Vienna), Gustavo Zlauvinen, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
"This year, renewables are projected to become the world's largest source of electricity generation for the first time. Meanwhile, their prices keep plummeting." — António Guterres
The United Nations lnformation Service (UNIS) Vienna in cooperation with the Foreign Policy and United Nations Association of Austria (UNA-Austria) invites media representatives to a Press briefing on priorities and key events for 2025 of the Vienna-based UN organizations and agencies. Highlights for 2025 from other Vienna-based United Nations organizations will also be publicized at the briefing.
