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.
* *** *
"Shipping is a pillar of the world economy, a catalyst of development, and a vital link connecting goods, commodities, and communities across the world." — António Guterres
"Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured." — António Guterres
Members of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine will give a press conference in Geneva at the conclusion of the oral update to the Human Rights Council (HRC).
A new, first-of-its-kind UN report demonstrates that progress towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 is worryingly slow, with limited information availability to drive evidence-informed policies.
