The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed every year on September 7.

• The day is facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• In the year 2021, the day was observed under the theme– “Healthy Air, Healthy Planet”.

This day was first established at the 74th session of the United NationsGeneral Assembly in 2019. It seeks to create awareness regarding the significance of air quality.

The day was first observed on September 7, 2020 across the world.

The lead coordinating partners of the day are United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC). Additional fundings were provided from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation & Nuclear Safety of Germany (BMU).  In some commemoration, World Health Organization (WHO) partnered with NGO BreatheLife to organise activities.

In the year 2021, this day & event focused on prioritizing the need for healthy air for all. It also lays stress on critical issues like climate change, human health, planetary health and Sustainable Development Goals.

As per United Nations, air pollution is a “two-fold problem”. It adversely impacts the health as well as climate. Tiny pollutant particles penetrate deep into bloodstream, lungs, and body. These pollutants cause about one-third of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer. It also led to asthma and chronic respiratory illnesses.

SLCPs are linked with health effects and near-term warming of the earth. These pollutants survive in atmosphere for few days and sometimes for few decades. It reduces their magnitude and can be proved fruitful in ensuring better health of earth and humans.