Dr.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of WHO addressed the world in connection with Intl.Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. He said “Today marks the first International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. It comes at a challenging but pivotal moment in history as lockdowns have been enforced to slow the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. There has veen unexpected benefits. In many places we have seen a significant drop in air pollution”.
“We are reminded of how starved our lungs have been of clean and uncontaminated air. This respite in our normally bustling cities and towns has resulted in cleaner air, fewer cars, less noise and communities that are safer for cycling and walking. In the face of global challenges posed by climate change, air pollution, social-economical inequalities and the ongoing pandemic, we have a chance to build back better”.
The Director General said ” The WHO Manifesto for a healthy and green recovery to COVID-19 provides a prescription for a “better normal” with improved social and environmental well-being for all. Hundreds of regional, national and city governments have already taken steps to align health, air pollution and climate policies by committing to the UN Clean Air Initiative, the WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health and Breathe Life Campaign”.
“Now is the time to rethink how we organize our societies, our cities, our transportations and how we cook and heat our homes. As we stand at this pivotal crossroad, let us make the choice for clean air and blue skies. It is within our reach”.