International Day  of  Clean Air

Every day, we take about 12,000 breaths. But what we breathe can either sustain our health or threaten it. On 7 September 2025, the world marked the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies under the theme “Racing for Air. Every Breath Matters.” This day spotlights the urgent need to reduce air pollution, the largest environmental health risk today, affecting millions globally.

Why Clean Air Day 2025 matters ? 

1. Air Pollution is the Biggest Environmental Killer

Air pollution silently causes about 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide. It damages lungs, hearts, and brains, causing stroke, lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart attacks. Tiny pollutants penetrate deep into our bodies, disproportionately harming vulnerable groups like children, women, and older adults. Sadly, 9 out of 10 people globally breathe polluted air, risking their health every day.

2. Air Pollution and Climate Change are Interlinked

Certain particulate pollutants, like black carbon, methane, and ground-level ozone—not only affect health but also warm the planet. These are called short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). By reducing them, it’s possible to make a quick and significant dent both in health risks and climate change, delivering benefits for the planet and people.

3. The Costs of Dirty Air are High for Society

Air pollution hurts economies. It raises healthcare expenses, lowers worker productivity, and damages agriculture. For example, in Nairobi, air pollution contributes to thousands of premature deaths annually and economic costs. Investing in clean air solutions saves billions and creates healthier environments.

4. Nairobi is Taking Action with New Monitoring Sites

In a big step forward, Nairobi launched two advanced air quality monitoring sites in 2024, located at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and Nairobi Fire Station. These help track pollutants like particulate matter and black carbon from waste burning and public transport. This data is key for informed policies and health protection. Nairobi is also rolling out 50 new sensors citywide, forming its first-ever city-owned air quality network to guide impactful clean air measures.

5. Solutions to Clean Air Exist and Are Within Reach

Improving air quality can be achieved by:

• Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy.

• Enhancing regulations on industrial, transport, and agricultural emissions.

• Managing waste properly to eliminate harmful burning.

• Promoting cleaner cooking and heating technologies in households.

• Encouraging green urban planning and public transport.

These actions bring health, economic, and environmental benefits all at once.

6. Everyone Has a Role to Play

Clean air is not just the responsibility of governments and policymakers. Corporations, civil society, communities, and individuals all have a part in this race. Whether it’s supporting clean technologies, advocating for better regulations, planting trees, or reducing vehicle emissions by walking or cycling, small actions add up.

• Join the Race for Clean Air

This Clean Air Day, take a moment to appreciate every breath and commit to protecting it. Here’s how:

• Support and spread awareness about clean air initiatives.

• Reduce personal pollution by using public transport, reducing waste burning, and conserving energy.

• Engage with local efforts like Nairobi’s air quality monitoring programs.

• Advocate for policies that tackle air pollution and climate change together.

By uniting efforts globally and locally, we can achieve healthier air and blue skies for all , because every breath truly matters.