By Maltiti Sayida Sadick
With the 2024 theme for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies being ‘Invest for Clean Air Now’, various organizations held seminars on how to reduce air pollution and combat the devastating effects of climate change in Ghana. Scientists have stated that approximately nine million people die every year from diseases related to air pollution.
Speaking to Maltiti Sayida Sadick, host of Within Africa on GBC News, Dr. Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour, an Air Quality expert with the Clean Air Fund, emphasized that this day, designated by the United Nations, serves as a global call to action. It highlights the urgent need to improve air quality worldwide to protect human health and the environment. He added that current challenges and opportunities surrounding air pollution stress the importance of clean air, not only for good health but also for the planet’s well-being.
Air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental risks to health, causing millions of premature deaths annually. Despite clear scientific evidence and data, this issue often fails to receive the attention it deserves, making it crucial to spotlight the pressing problems surrounding air pollution.
Dr. Kyere-Gyeabour further cited the impact of air pollution on communities across Africa, where rapid urbanization, industrialization, and reliance on traditional energy sources contribute significantly to the deterioration of air quality. From vehicle emissions to household air pollution caused by burning solid fuels, the challenges are complex but not insurmountable.
By implementing and enforcing stricter air quality regulations, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and raising public awareness, the world can drive meaningful change, he noted. Dr. Kyere-Gyeabour also called for collective action from policymakers, industries, communities, and individuals, reiterating that clean air is a fundamental right. He stressed that collective efforts are needed to ensure that every person, regardless of where they live, can breathe safely.