Newsletter: August 2020

Message from the secretariat

Dear partners and colleagues,

On September 7, the global community will celebrate the first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies. The theme is #CleanAirForAll – a call to action for international cooperation to attain clean air, increased global awareness on the need to improve air quality, and actionable responses to air pollution. The CCAC Secretariat was involved in the process that led to the creation of the day, working closely with our partner, the Republic of Korea, who advocated for the new international day.

At a time when headlines are focused on health and economic crises, we must find ways to keep air pollution, climate and the broader environmental agenda a priority in public discourse and policymaking. The COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder that human health is linked to the planet’s health. Initial studies show that poor air-quality has been linked to increased risk of succumbing to COVID-19. The pandemic underscores the fact that well-balanced ecosystems are fundamental to human existence.

As travel restrictions and social distancing may still be very much in place, the need to reimagine our relationship with nature, raise our voices and take action is more urgent than ever. We urge you to share accurate and evidence-based information online, talking to your audiences about these critical issues and inspiring them to get involved. We invite you to showcase any event or activity that highlights what actions you will take for clean air on the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies website by registering it here.

Clean air means a safe climate, healthy people and resilient ecosystems. We have the solutions. Let’s work together to get it done.

Helena Molin Valdes
Head of the Climate & Clean Air Coalition Secretariat