Ahead of the International Clean Air Day for blue skies, on 5 September, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will release its annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin, which is part of an annual WMO series highlighting the interplay between air pollution and climate change. The report draws on data from leading institutions, including the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), NASA’s Global Modelling and Assimilation Office (GMAO), and the System for Integrated Modelling of Atmospheric Composition (SILAM). 

Visit the WMO website on 5 September to learn about this year’s findings.

UNEP Office in China, with support from Energy Foundation China, convened partners at the Phoenix Center in Beijing on 4 September to spotlight the links between clean air, health, climate, and community well-being.

Distinguished attendees included the UN Resident Coordinator for China, representatives from the World Health Organization, officials from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China and the Beijing Environment Bureau, renowned experts from leading Chinese universities, and representatives from prominent NGOs. 

A special performance by the International Choir of the China Children's Air Troupe captured the spirit of the day, offering a youthful and hopeful vision of a clean and healthy future. The event welcomed over 100 in-person participants and received extensive media coverage from major outlets, including CCTV, China Daily, and CGTN.

Ahead of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for reining in "pollutants that choke people and heat the planet by investing in renewable energy, improving waste management, halting deforestation, including wildfires, and promoting eco-friendly agriculture."

Read his full message

Climate change requires action on multiple fronts. 

Take this quiz to test your knowledge of two critical environmental issues: food waste reduction and air pollution mitigation – both essential climate solutions.

The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea has launched a Relay Running Challenge in line with this year’s theme for the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, “Racing for Air”. 

Participants can walk, run, or go plogging using GPS-based running apps and upload their running records and photos to receive a certificate of participation. By sharing the certificate on social media with designated hashtags, participants will be entered into a prize draw.

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