International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is a holiday designed to strengthen international cooperation around the reduction of air pollution and the improvement of air quality. This day recognizes the importance of clean air for the environment, the economy, productivity, and health, and it attempts to spread the word about it to the public.

The best thing about this day is that it can be observed by ordinary citizens, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and anyone who has a vested interest in better air quality, which, in our estimation, is just about everyone. This day is observed annually on September 7th.

The History of International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

This holiday was enacted when the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 74/212 on December 19, 2019. This resolution passed easily and wasn’t voted on. This indicated that no one was really opposed to it enough to put in a vote against it. The holiday this resolution created was first observed on September 7, 2020.

Disturbing Facts About Air Pollution

Below are some important facts about air pollution that we think everyone should stop and read right now. Although it may feel a bit demoralizing to cover the following disturbing facts about air pollution, we feel that it’s necessary for people to understand the full scope of the problem.

• Air pollution increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Even though air pollution affects everyone, it can be particularly dangerous for young children.
• Air pollution has been shown to impair the development of fetuses and reduce lung capacity in children.

• In the United Kingdom, over 36,000 early deaths can be attributed to air pollution.
• Smog and soot are two types of air pollution. Smog is ground-level ozone combined with smoke, and soot is particulate matter.
• Approximately 94% of all air pollution deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• Breathing in air pollution can knock a few years off a person’s life.
• The rise in air pollution is fastest in Asian countries.
• Riding a bicycle and walking are two ways the average person can help lower air pollution levels.

Observing International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

Government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and private citizens can all work together on this day to observe this holiday. Bills can be passed, legislative bodies can be petitioned, and money can be raised for cleaner air.

People can voice their opinions about cleaner air to help spread the word about it. The word about this holiday can also be spread through the Internet using the hashtag #InternationalDayOfCleanAirForBlueSkies.