Stressing $1 Spent on Proven Clean-Air Solutions Returns $14 in Benefits, Secretary-General Observance Message Urges Investors, Government to Act Now

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, observed on 7 September:

For too long, we have been told to choose between economic growth and environmental protection, between today’s priorities and tomorrow’s climate.

These are false choices.  Air pollution is taking a devastating toll on lives and economies. Last year, air pollution contributed to 6.4 million premature deaths, 5.5 million new cases of childhood asthma and millions more of diabetes, dementia and heart disease – a toll long underestimated, and borne most heavily by those least able to bear it.

The case for action has never been clearer.  The science and the economics point in the same direction: every dollar invested in proven clean air solutions returns $14 in benefits.

Reducing air pollution protects health, boosts productivity and builds more resilient and prosperous societies.  Accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels is one of the fastest and most effective ways to clean the air while tackling the climate crisis.

On this International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, I urge Governments, businesses and investors to choose action now.  Let the air we share unite us.