10 things you should know about air pollution.

 


Car exhaust. Factory smoke. Wildfire haze. Chances are, no matter where on Earth you live, you’re exposed to some form of air pollution almost every day. The consequences of this pollution can be debilitating – and deadly. Air pollution caused 8.1 million premature deaths in 2021 alone, found one prominent study.


On 7 September, the world celebrates the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, which showcases solutions to air pollution. The theme this year is Racing for Air, which reflects the urgent need to address what United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called a “global emergency.” It is also a nod to the growing support for clean air among sports associations.


“Just like athletes, we all need clean air to move, perform and thrive,” says Steven Stone, the Deputy Director of the Industry and Economy Division of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “Clean air supports healthy people, resilient communities, strong economies and a healthier planet.”


Ahead of International Day of Clean Air, here’s a look at what air pollution is, why it’s harmful and what can be done about it.

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