The United Nations observes the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies every year on 7 September to highlight the critical importance of reducing air pollution, the world’s largest environmental health risk.
- September 7,2025 marks the 6th International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
Theme:
2025 Theme: Racing for Air. Every Breath Matters
Focus:This year’s campaign links clean air to sport, performance, endurance, and equity – highlighting the urgency of action while shifting the narrative from problems to solutions.
Exam Hints:
- Event: International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2025
- When? September 7
- Theme 2025: Racing for Air. Every Breath Matters
- Edition: 6th(1st in 2020)
- Adoption: UNGA Resolution 74/212 (Dec 19, 2019)
- Organizers (2025): UNEP & UNESCAP (Bangkok, hybrid format )
- 2025 Events:
- UN Global Event: Bangkok (UNESCAP & UNEP)
- Climate Week India: 7–14 September 2025, 22 cities; organized by TerreGeneration Solutions.
Background:
Resolution:The UN General Assembly(UNGA) designated 7 September as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies through Resolution 74/212 on December 19, 2019
First Observance: The first observance of this day took place on September 7, 2020
Key facts:
Health Impact: Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death, causing around 8.1 million premature deaths annually from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
WHO Data: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for around 7 million premature deaths each year, and 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.
Global Initiatives:
Air Quality Management Platform: In 2024, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) launched the Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx), a one-stop platform providing the latest guidance and tools to help professionals tackle air pollution and meet WHO Air Quality Guidelines interim targets.
BreatheLife Campaign: Launched in 2016, BreatheLife is a global initiative to mobilize cities and individuals to protect health and the planet from air pollution.
- It integrates public health and climate expertise and is supported by WHO,the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP, the World Bank, and CCAC.
2025 Events:
Global Event: On 5 September 2025, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) hosted the 6th observance of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC-BKK) in Bangkok, Thailand, in a hybrid format.
Climate Week India 2025: It is scheduled from 7–14 September across 22 cities, marking a nationwide effort to foster community-led climate action.
- Organized by TerreGeneration Solutions, this inaugural event brings together 27 grassroots organizations to facilitate over 55 events nationwide, engaging local communities, youth, policymakers, and civil society.
- Bhoomi Bhaasha Murals: Launched in Bengaluru, Panjim, Kochi, Kodaikanal, and Havelock Island, these murals showcase local stories of resilience and harmony with nature in public spaces. The initiative aims to expand to every district in India by 2030.
About United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP):
Executive Director (ED) – Inger Anderson
Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya
Established – 1972
