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As the world observes the fifth annual International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, urgent calls have been made for increased investment in solutions to combat air pollution. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights that more than 99 percent of the global population is exposed to polluted air, contributing to over 8 million deaths annually, including 700,000 children under five.

Air pollution has emerged as the second leading risk factor for early death worldwide, surpassing tobacco use for adults and trailing only malnutrition for young children. The economic toll is staggering, with pollution-related health damages costing approximately USD $8.1 trillion annually. Despite these severe impacts, less than 1 percent of international development funding is dedicated to addressing this crisis.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the dual threat of air pollution, noting its detrimental effects on human health and its role in exacerbating the climate crisis. "Pollution is choking economies and heating up our planet," Guterres said, urging immediate action. This year's Clean Air Day theme, "Invest in #CleanAirNow," aims to drive global efforts towards cleaner air for a more prosperous future.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen echoed this call, urging nations and businesses to take comprehensive measures. "We need robust air quality standards, renewable energy investments, and strong emission regulations," Andersen stated. She also emphasized the need for redirecting fossil fuel subsidies and engaging the private sector in clean air initiatives.

In response to calls from countries for improved regional air quality management, the UNEP-led Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) launched AQMx, a global air quality management platform, on September 5. This platform aims to enhance regional knowledge sharing and action on air quality issues.

Global Clean Air Day events highlighted diverse approaches to tackling air pollution. In South Africa, a two-day conference focused on waste management, while high-level discussions in Asia featured youth voices. Beijing celebrated the transformation of a former steel mill site into an Olympic venue, demonstrating progress in pollution control. Latin America saw a public information workshop with Wikimedia, and North America hosted a high-profile event with speakers from NASA, the U.S. and U.K. governments, and the World Bank.

Success stories from various cities and countries show that air pollution is preventable. Reductions in pollutants such as PM2.5 have led to notable improvements in employment and productivity. The Global Methane Pledge and other initiatives aim to cut methane emissions, which could result in substantial economic savings and help limit global temperature rise.

Governments are encouraged to adopt stricter air quality standards, invest in monitoring, and integrate clean air measures into national policies. Businesses should also prioritize clean technologies and practices, assessing and mitigating their air pollution footprint.

As air pollution transcends borders, it is a collective responsibility to ensure clean air for all. By investing in air quality solutions and working together across regions and sectors, the global community can secure a healthier, more breathable future for generations to come.