A UN day raising awareness about air pollution's dangers and mobilizing global action for clean air for all.
Date7 September
TopicEnvironment & Sustainability
Established2019
Ways to observe this day
Check your city's air quality index
Reduce car use in favor of walking or clean transport
Support local tree-planting initiatives
Talk to your kids about why clean air matters for health
In 2019, the UN General Assembly designated September 7 as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, first observed in 2020, to strengthen international cooperation in combating air pollution and protecting human health and ecosystems.
Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for premature death worldwide, causing an estimated 8.1 million deaths annually from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections, with the poorest and most vulnerable communities bearing the heaviest burden.
The day is marked through awareness campaigns and events highlighting solutions to reduce emissions, encouraging governments, businesses, and communities to cooperate at local, regional, and international levels to secure cleaner air for future generations.