The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is annually observed across the world on 7 September to raise awareness about the importance of clean air for a sustainable future.
- The day also promotes global actions to combat air pollution, one of the greatest health and environmental challenges, and improve air quality worldwide.
- 7 September 2024 marks the observance of the 5th annual International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
The 2024 theme of International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is, “Invest in #CleanAirNow.”
Significance:
i.The day aims to build a global community of action, encouraging countries to collaborate in tackling air pollution to protect our ecosystems.
ii.The 2024 observance highlights the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility to combat air pollution, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for people and the planet.
iii.This day provides a platform for cooperation at individual, national, regional, and international levels to work together and Invest in #CleanAirNow.”
Background:
i.On 19 December 2019, the 2nd Committee of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/74/212, proclaiming the 7 September of every year as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
ii.The first-ever International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies was observed on 7 September 2020.
Air Pollution Crisis:
i.With over 99% of humanity breathing polluted air, leading to more than 8 million annual deaths, including over 700,000 children under 5.
ii.Air pollution causes around 8.1 million premature deaths annually from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
- By 2050, the number of premature deaths caused by Ambient Air Pollution (AAP) (Outdoor) could increase by over 50%
iii.Air pollution is now the 2nd leading cause of early death globally, surpassing tobacco for adults and 2nd only to malnutrition for children under 5.
iv.Despite costing USD 8.1 trillion a year in health damages, less than 1% of international development funding addresses it.
Two-Fold Problems of Air Pollution:
i.Health Impact: Pollutants cause one-third of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer.
ii.Climate Impact: Short-Lived Climate-Pollutants (SLCPs) contribute to both health issues and climate warming.
Economic and Environmental Benefits:
i.Countries are committing to the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), addressing both air pollution and global warming.
ii.A 20% reduction in Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 can boost employment by 16% and productivity by 33%.
iii.Cutting methane emissions could save between USD 4 and USD 33 billion by reducing crop losses by half by 2050.
- Reducing super-pollutants can prevent 0.5°C of warming by 2050, protecting food security.
BreatheLife Campaign:
i.The campaign is supported by leading global organizations, including, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UNEP, the World Bank (WB), and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
- BreatheLife’s expanding network currently includes 76 cities, regions, and countries.
ii.This global campaign encourages cities and individuals to safeguard health and the environment by addressing air pollution.
iii.It integrates expertise from public health and climate change sectors to offer solutions aligned with global development goals.
2024 Events:
i.On 5 September 2024, ahead of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the UNEP-convened CCAC launched the Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx). The platform offers guidance to city and national air quality managers.
- This initiative aligns with the UNEA-6 resolution, promoting global and regional collaboration on improving air quality.
- It aims to help countries meet the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) and interim targets.
ii.On 28 August 2024, the UNEP hosted a webinar, “Improving Urban Air Quality through Sustainable Waste Management in Cities of Africa,” focused on enhancing urban air quality through sustainable waste management in African cities, marking the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
Swachh Vayu Survekshan Award 2024 Presented to Best Performing NCAP cities in India
During the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas) 2024, the Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS) Awards 2024 were presented to the best-performing National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities in India, at an event, hosted by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Key People:
The event was attended by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma.
SVS Awards 2024:
It is a new initiative by the Ministry of. Environment, Forest and Climate. Change (MoEFCC). This recognition is part of the National Mission for Clean Air and is awarded on September 7th each year, in celebration of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
- The awards were presented in 3 population categories, honouring efforts to improve air quality.The Municipal Commissioners of the winning cities were awarded with cash prizes, trophies, and certificates.
List of SVS Awards 2024:
| Category | Rank | Cities(State) |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 (population over 10 Lakhs) | 1st | Surat(Gujarat) |
| 2nd | Jabalpur(Madhya Pradesh, MP) | |
| 3rd | Agra(Uttar Pradesh, UP) | |
| Category 2 (population between 3 and 10 Lakhs) | 1st | Firozabad(UP) |
| 2nd | Amravati(Maharashtra) | |
| 3rd | Jhansi(UP) | |
| Category 3 (population under 3 Lakhs) | 1st | Raebareli(UP) |
| 2nd | Nalgonda(Telangana) | |
| 3rd | Nalagarh(Himachal Pradesh, HP) |
Event Highlights:
i.A video showcasing the NCAP improvements across 131 cities was displayed.
- 95 out of 131 NCAP cities showed declining trends in air pollution.
- 51 cities reduced PM10 levels by over 20% compared to 2017-18.
- 21 cities achieved over 40% reduction in PM10 levels
ii.A document titled ‘Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP cities’ was released.
iii.100 saplings were planted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, at the ‘Matri Van’, Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Rajasthan.
