Wednesday, 7 September 2022
10:00 ET
In-person event in Washington, DC, and virtual participation on Zoom
Languages: English, French and Spanish
Organiser (s): Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), World Resources Institute (WRI) and United Nations Environment Programme North America Office
About: Air pollution is a global problem with far-reaching impacts due to its transboundary nature. It is one of the most significant environmental risks to human health and one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally, causing an estimated 7 million premature deaths every year. To mobilize global action to address air pollution, the United Nations General Assembly designated 7 September as the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies and invites stakeholders to observe the day and to "give consideration to enhancing international cooperation in support of the efforts of all Member States towards attaining clean air."
The theme of the 2022 International Day is “The Air We Share.”
WRI CEO and President, Ani Dasgupta, and UNEP Director for North America, Barbara Hendrie, will provide opening remarks. Keynote speakers include U.S. EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs, Jane Nishida and representatives from the Canadian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Mexican Environment and Natural Resources.
A panel discussion follows on The Way Forward for Clean Air in North America and Beyond, moderated by Beatriz Cardenas, WRI’s Global Air Quality Director. Speakers include Gary Kleiman of Orbis Air, who will highlight key lessons from UNEP’s Actions on Air Quality in North America report to support policymakers and decision-makers in decision-makers world facing air pollution challenges. A California Air Resources Board representative will focus on innovative approaches to addressing air quality challenges in economically disadvantaged communities. Susan Anenberg, Director of Climate and Health Institute, George Washington University, will speak about subnational action's critical role in driving air pollution and health gains. And Orlando Cabrera-Rivera, Head of Unit for Environmental Quality, CEC, will discuss collaboration on air quality between Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
To raise awareness of the urgency of boosting national action, as well as regional and international collaboration to improve air quality, the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), World Resources Institute (WRI) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) North America Office will host a dialogue focused on clean air efforts in Canada, Mexico and the United States, that highlights the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation signed in 1994.
Proposed speakers:
- WRI CEO and President Ani Dasgupta
- UNEP Director for North America, Barbara Hendrie
Keynote speakers include:
- U.S. EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs, Jane Nishida
- Representatives from the Canadian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Mexican Environment and Natural Resources
Contact person: Laura Fuller ([email protected])