International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies to Clean Air Pollution
by Seemab Chaudhary
SHARES
According to the World Health Organization WHO, air pollution is the biggest threat to human health alongside climate change. An analysis revealed that around half a million premature deaths per year are reported, caused by non-communicable diseases, including stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease, etc. On 7th September, the international day of clean air for blue skies recognizes “the air we share”.
This day helps to put more effort into dealing with the increased air pollution threat that can put the health of humans at risk.
Pollutant exposure including climate change increases the risk to human health. There are many factors contributing to air pollution due to the source of combustion of fossil fuels and biomass to generate energy.
Some steps can help reduce the potential threat, such as the reduction of fossil and biomass fuel combustion. These things can help with better air quality which promotes health and enhances climate change mitigation efforts.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has published the annual assessment of the interacting impact of air pollution and climate change. This emphasizes producing widespread increases in PM levels that can affect human health. All of these factors lead to poor air quality.
Dr. Joy Shumake-Guillmot of the WHO/WMO Joint Climate and Health Office said that “We are seeing an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves that are causing more wildlife which is severely affecting air quality across the world”.
This year, the organization follows the theme “the air we share” which throws light on the transboundary nature of air pollution, stressing the collective accountability need and actions. It shows how much we need to focus on strategic international and regional cooperation for better and effective implementation of mitigation policies that can contribute to tackling air pollution.
