According to the World Health Organization, each year an estimated 7 million premature deaths – or 1 in every 9 – are attributed to the joint effects of household and outdoor air pollution. In addition to the impacts on human health, some air pollutants affect ecosystems, threaten food and water security and contribute to climate change. Air pollution is a pressing sustainability concern specified in Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being), 7 (clean energy), 11 (sustainable cities), 12 (sustainable consumption and production) and 13 (climate action).
The socio-economic benefits of investing in air pollution control cannot be underestimated. There are practical cost-effective solutions for air pollution abatement that will return multiple benefits such as improved energy security, urban air quality, human health, healthy ecosystems, increased agricultural yields and reduced climate change.
In December 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 74/212 that designated 7 September as the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies to raise awareness and mobilize global action to address air pollution.
Join us on Monday 07 September from 10 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. for this Planet Unplugged dialogue among experts and government representatives on policy and actions to tackle air pollution and mark the first year of celebrations and pave the way for enhanced global awareness and leadership for air quality globally and exchange practical and actionable solutions and strategies.
Speakers:
Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UNEP
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO
H.E. Dr Cho Myung-Rae, Minister of Environment, Republic of Korea
Dr Maria Neira, Director, Public Health, Environment and Social Determinants of Health Department, WHO
Wanjiku Manyara, General Manager, Petroleum Institute of East Africa
Moderator:
Helena Molin Valdes, Head of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat
Join