Message from Hon. Secretary, Ministry of Environment

Amidst the pandemic, realizing the importance of clean air, I understand the significance of commemorating the Second International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies – 2021.

Recognizing the importance of air quality, UN General Assembly has declared September 7, as the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies”. Today, we join the global community to commemorate this. This is a day to raise awareness and reflect on the positive actions we can take to improve air quality to leave a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.

This year's theme “Healthy Air, Healthy Planet” emphasizes the health impacts of air pollution, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on prioritizing the need for healthy air for all while keeping the conversation broad engaging multi-stakeholders. It serves as a call for action to align our efforts and claim our right to clean air.

Air pollution is also linked to global warming and climate change in a long run. Short-lived climate pollutants like methane, black carbon and ground-level ozone have a great impact on global warming. It is estimated that reducing them can slow down the current rate of global warming by about a half a degree by 2050. The negative consequences of air pollution have impacted on for the health, economy, productivity, and tourism everywhere.

Around 7 million people die every year globally from diseases and infections related to air pollution. This is more than five times the number of people who die in road accidents. The impact of poor air quality on global health is estimated at 4.8% of the world’s GDP. A World Bank report on ‘Cost of Air Pollution’ has mentioned that welfare losses from air pollution have increased annually in Sri Lanka. In 1990, it was 4.34% of GDP equivalent and in 2013, it increased to 7.75% of GDP equivalent. It’s a huge burden to our economy.

Improving air quality is achievable and provides numerous human and environmental benefits via mitigating climate change, increasing life expectancy, improving health and sustaining development. This Day invites all of us to change the way we live and reduce the amount of air pollution we produce. Let us come together to improve air quality and bring a transformative change in our lifestyles. Together, we can build a world that is cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable – today and for future generations.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe Secretary Ministry of Environment