The Earth is under strain, as if fighting a lingering illness. We all see the way the environment is changing.

 

In Korea, September marks the beginning of fall, a season rich with proverbs about better weather and bright skies. 'Cheon-go-ma-bi' is one proverb that captures this beauty, describing the clear blue skies and abundance of September. However, it is difficult to find such blue skies anymore. According to the OECD, Korea ranks bottom in terms of air quality. Air pollution has become a prominent theme both in weather forecasts and in our lives.

 

The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is the first United Nations observance dedicated to clean air. Established under the leadership of the Republic of Korea, the day raises awareness of air pollution, increases global interest in the importance of clean air, and encourages international cooperation as well. Its goals include reducing pollution and enabling collaboration to improve air quality worldwide.

 

Background of Adoption

Air pollution has a negative impact on our health. According to the UN, "pollutants are responsible for about one-third of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer, as well as one-quarter of deaths from heart attack." Due to the health risks of low air quality, on November 26, 2019, the Second Committee of the 74th UN General Assembly adopted a major resolution by consensus. On December 19, 2019, it officially designated the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

The UN emphasizes that the Member States recognize the need to substantially reduce deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals, as well as air, water, soil pollution and contamination by 2030.

 

How It Is Going

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), a specialized UN agency focused on environmental issues, serves as the implementing agency for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, coordinating and promoting its global observance. Another key participating specialized agency is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which promotes the use of sustainable aviation fuels and pollution-reducing technologies to mitigate aircraft emissions. ICAO highlights these initiatives on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. In 2023, ICAO pledged to clarify its ongoing role in addressing environmental challenges. Together, these agencies are driving efforts to create cleaner skies and a healthier planet.

 

Returning As Given

Humans are born from nature and inevitably return to it. Nature enriches our lives in countless ways. As we already have let too much time pass for the Earth to be better, now is the time to take action. Governments must reduce coal-fired power plants and address the primary sources of environmental pollution. Citizens must reduce product consumption, participate in car-pooling and other no-driving systems, and avoid illegal incineration.

#TogetherForCleanAir



 

Reporter,

Hyeonseon Namgung namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 남궁현선

• 직책 :
• e-mail : namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr