Citizens encouraged to observe International Day of Clean Air, 7 September 2024

Western Cape Government encourages all citizens to reflect on the quality of the air they breathe in recognition of International Day of Clean Air, 7 September 2024.

The 7th of September is recognised as International Day of Clean Air. “The Western Cape Government (WCG) proudly joins our residents and the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, in celebrating this day for the 5th time ever, on 7 September 2024,” Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said.

Air pollution remains the most significant environmental health risk of our time, responsible for 6.7 million premature deaths annually. Alarmingly, most of the global population breathes air that exceeds safe air quality standards (https://www.unep.org/interactives/clean-air-day-guide/#facts). In response, the United Nations has marked 7 September as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, as an opportunity to raise awareness and mobilise global action against air pollution.

The theme for 2024, "Invest in #CleanAirNow," calls for urgent, collective action to safeguard our health and the planet against air pollution. The effective management of air pollution not only reduces immediate health risks but also mitigates long-term environmental and climate impacts. As the world confronts the dual challenges of air pollution and climate change, the United Nations has once again highlighted the critical link between these environmental crises.  By taking action now, we can also reduce global crop losses from air pollutants by 2050 (https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-day-clean-air-blue-skies-2024).

“As we observe this day, we note that air pollution sources vary and typically include industrial activities, vehicle emissions, domestic fuel use, veld fires, and other anthropogenic activities. We recognise that air pollution and climate change are also inextricably linked, as the same sources contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions”, Gerhard Gerber, Head of Department of the WCG, Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) said. In our efforts to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, we need to be aware of the net warming effect, given that it could be more severe than previously thought (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05122-0).

Addressing these intertwined challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Promoting renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power is essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering carbon footprints and improving air quality. Alongside this, robust air pollution monitoring systems and stringent pollution control measures are crucial to minimise the harmful impacts of industrial and vehicular emissions on human health and the environment, Gerber said.

While some enjoy relatively good air quality, this may not be the case for everyone. Recent reports reveals that Cape Town commuters spend between 83 to 127 hours in traffic annually, with 48 of those hours spent in congestion (https://www.cbn.co.za/industry-news). "Traffic congestion adds significantly to urban air pollution impacts. The lack of roadside air quality monitoring also presents challenges in assessing the air pollutant levels along our roads and developing air quality and climate change policies and interventions”, adds Dr Joy Leaner, Director for Air Quality Management, at the DEA&DP.

This year’s theme, "Invest in #CleanAirNow," emphasises the importance of coordinated efforts to mitigate air pollution and its effects on climate change. Effective air quality management necessitates active collaboration across various spheres of government, sustainable urban planning, and a transition to cleaner production and transportation alternatives. Moreover, addressing indoor air pollution, particularly in low-income areas where residents rely on open fires for cooking and heating, is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations.

“This day serves as a vital platform for partnering across all levels, whether individual, provincial, national, or global, to invest in clean air and promote a healthier environment. Join us in our ‘SMART-air Blue Skies Clean Air’ campaign and help us raise awareness about the importance of good air quality for our own well-being and that of our planet,” Minister Bredell said.

The WCG encourages all citizens, on this International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, to reflect on the quality of the air they breathe. “We invite you to participate in our "SMART-air Blue Skies Clean Air" campaign by taking a picture of the sky in your area from Saturday 7 to Monday 30 September 2024. Include a landmark in your photo or note the location and send your image to DEADP.AQM@westerncape.gov.za, by 30 September 2024. Your image will help create a visual collage of the province's air quality, reminding us all of the importance of keeping our air clean and our skies blue,” Dr Leaner said.

“This initiative marks the beginning of a collaborative effort between the province and its residents to raise awareness and take action to improve our air quality. By investing in clean air today, we can protect our health, preserve our environment, and combat climate change for future generations,” Minister Bredell said.