UNIS/SGSM/1429
3 September 2024
Ninety-nine per cent of humanity breathes polluted air – leading to an estimated 8 million premature deaths – including more than 700,000 children under five.
Pollution is also choking economies and heating up our planet, adding fuel to the fire of the climate crisis. And it disproportionally affects those most vulnerable in society, including women, children, and older persons.
Yet pollution is a silent killer that can be stopped.
Investing in clean air requires actions by both government and businesses – to phase out fossil fuels, strengthen air quality monitoring, enforce air quality standards, boost renewable energy, transition to clean cooking, build sustainable transport and sustainable waste management systems, clean up supply chains, and reduce harmful emissions, including methane.
It is also critical to put a price on carbon.
At the same time, development organizations, financial institutions and philanthropies can redirect financial capital behind clean air technologies to tackle the triple planetary crisis.
Above all, we must work together at the regional and global levels.
Investing in clean air saves lives, combats climate change, strengthens economies, builds fairer societies, and advances the Sustainable Development Goals.
On International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, let’s invest now so we can breathe easy knowing we are securing a healthier planet for all.
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The new Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations (Vienna), Victoria Roșa, presented her credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
"As this year's International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction reminds us, education is key for not only protecting children but enabling them to take part in decision-making to reduce risks for all." — António Guterres
"The courage, hope and determination of girls are a force to be reckoned with. It is time for the world to step up and help transform their vision and aspirations into reality." — António Guterres
"On this World Mental Health Day, and every day, let us remember that there is no health without mental health. Let us commit to creating and maintaining safe, healthy work environments where people can flourish." — António Guterres
