China hosts environment day 2019 on air pollution, as UN urges governments to deploy green technologies

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The 2019 World Environment Day (WED) under the theme: “Beat Air Pollution” calls for global action to combat the blight of air pollution, protect the environment, and ensure sustainability.

Joyce Msuya, acting head of UN Environment, the leading global voice on environmental issues, said this year`s celebrations will be hosted by China; she urges governments, industry, communities, and individuals to explore renewable energy and green technologies towards improving air quality in cities and regions across the world.

“China will be a great global host of 2019 World Environment Day celebrations. The country has demonstrated tremendous leadership in tackling air pollution domestically. It can now help spur the world to greater action. Air pollution is a global emergency affecting everyone. China will now be leading the push and stimulating global action to save millions of lives,” said Msuya in a press statement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) described air pollution as “the world`s biggest environmental health risk” with 91% of the world`s population living in places where air quality exceeds WHO guidelines. It is estimated that, every year, about 4.2 million people die prematurely due to exposure to ambient air pollution in the world.

Since 1972, June 5 of each year is globally celebrated as World Environment Day (WED). The United Nations Environment event is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness among citizens of the world to ensure the protection and improvement of the environment for healthy living.