The UN has called on governments, companies, civil society and individuals to tackle air pollution, calling it the biggest environmental health risk of our time and a climate threat.
Ahead of an International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Saturday, designated so by the UN general assembly, the organisation said air pollution is one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally.
Go deeper with GlobalData
“Today, the international community acknowledges that improving air quality can enhance climate change mitigation and that climate change mitigation efforts can improve air quality,” the UN said in a statement.
Invisible particles of pollutants are responsible for about one third of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease and lung cancer, as well as a quarter of deaths from heart attacks, the statement said.
Ground-level ozone, produced from the interaction of many different pollutants in sunlight, is also a cause of asthma and chronic respiratory illnesses.
Some air pollutants, such as black carbon, methane and ground-level ozone, are also short-lived climate pollutants, so their reduction also has benefits for the climate, it added.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataAir pollution “knows no borders” and by tackling it proactively “we can achieve transformative change and secure healthy air for all,” the statement said.
