The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (IDOCAFBS) was first celebrated officially on September 7th, 2020. The celebration aims to create global awareness of the importance of clean air for blue skies to human health and climate change. The essence is not far-fetched; when we consider the importance of breathing— and breathing in clean air, we'll understand this day is not just for formality's sake.
The importance of air cannot be overemphasised. After all, without air man would die. Statistics show that about 7 million people die due to air pollution, yearly. In simpler terms, this means man cannot survive without not just air but "clean air".
Air pollution, expectedly, results from human activities. Domestic activities such as driving vehicles, heating homes with fuel oils and natural gas, waste burning, etc, as well as industrial activities' residues from manufacturing and power generation, and emissions produced during chemical manufacturing are all common causes of air pollution.
We are not unfamiliar with these actions so let us discuss the sustainable practices.
Together For Clean Air
There are practices we can adopt to achieve clean air, starting from within our homes to our local communities, and globally. Some of these practices include:
- Reduce car usage by carpooling, biking, using public transport, or walking short distances.
- Ensure cars are well maintained to reduce excessive exhaust fumes.
- Avoid burning of household wastes.
- Strategic location of manufacturing industries away from residential areas.
- Industries should utilise more efficient processes to reduce the emission of exhaust gases.
- Where emissions are unavoidable, industries should ensure the production equipment consist of a chimney (or a relative feature) that carries exhaust gases.
- Stop cutting trees. Trees are natural carbon cleaners. The air we breathe in today are not only partially produced by trees, they are also cleaned by trees.
- Instead, plant and nurture trees. Replacing cut down trees with new ones is a way to simultaneously work towards clean air while restoring nature.
Today is another day to urge us all: "Let every creature breathe and do not suffocate them".
Let's take a conscious effort towards achieving clean air as we commemorate the day. Remember, every little action counts towards making the air we breathe cleaner and healthier for everyone.
Happy International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
— Damilola EYIOWUAWI
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