5th Annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies North America

Air pollution is a global problem with far-reaching impacts due to its transboundary nature. It is one of the greatest environmental risks to human health and one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally causing an estimated 7 million premature fatalities every year. To raise awareness and mobilize global action to address air pollution, in 2019 the United Nations General Assembly designated September 7th as the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies and invited member states, UN agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders to observe the day and to “give consideration to enhancing international cooperation in support of the efforts of all Member States towards attaining clean air.” The theme of this year’s International Day is Invest in #CleanAirNow.

Following this invitation, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the United Nations Environmental Programme, and the World Resources Institute have partnered to commemorate the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies in North America on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, to raise awareness of the urgency of boosting national action and regional and international collaboration to improve air quality.

The late afternoon session will feature expert speakers for a one-hour discussion followed by a networking reception. Assistant Secretary of State, Jennifer Littlejohn will deliver the keynote address followed by a high-level panel discussion from experts including speakers from UNEP, the World Bank, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, and the Embassy of Tanzania. The discussion will be moderated by the World Resources Institute (WRI).

The event is open to air quality experts and practitioners, the diplomatic community, national and local policymakers, academia, civil society and international organizations.

Host or Publisher World Resources Institute