“Invest in Clean Air Now” ..Air pollution estimated to cost global economy $ 8.1 tn

04 / 09 / 2024

By Marwa Nassar - -

The world will mark the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies” on September 7 under the theme of “Invest in Clean Air Now” as air pollution is estimated to cost global economy $ 8.1 trillion per year, equivalent to 6.1% of the global GDP due to increased healthcare costs.

If the world acts now, it can halve global crop losses from air pollutants by 2050. Reducing emissions of methane, an important greenhouse gas and air pollutant, could save between $4 billion to $33 billion. The cost of inaction is staggering.

This year’s observance emphasizes the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility to combat air pollution. It is the second leading risk factor for death, causing around 8.1 million premature deaths annually from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Statistics help us grasp the magnitude of the issue: 99% of people worldwide breathe polluted air; air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths in 2021, with over 90% associated with non-communicable diseases; and more than 700,000 children under five deaths were from causes related to household and outdoor air pollution.