The Earth is composed of vast layers of the natural environment, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. These layers of the natural environment are indispensable resources for all living beings, including humans. All living beings, including humans, breathe air and survive by inhaling it. At present, the air that people breathe every day contains not only oxygen but also various other gases. Gases such as greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide cause air pollution. Therefore, everyone should make efforts to prevent air pollution.
Air pollution and climate change are closely interconnected. In particular, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released from extensive burning and use of fossil fuels contribute to the rise in global temperatures. The rise in global temperatures and changes in climate patterns can lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, flash floods and other natural disasters. To reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change, it is important to change energy consumption patterns. It is necessary to reduce excessive reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas and to increase the use of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.
Efforts to ensure clean air are beneficial in protecting public health, increasing productivity, promoting economic development and reducing potential losses caused by climate change. Myanmar, in cooperation with ASEAN member states, is emphasizing reducing fire hotspots, controlling transboundary haze pollution and improving air quality. The Department of Environmental Affairs is monitoring and measuring environmental air quality across the country and is carrying out information dissemination and public awareness activities to keep the public informed.
To ensure good air quality in every country around the world and promote efforts to address air pollution, the 74th United Nations General Assembly held in 2019 designated 7 September as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. The theme of this year’s International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is “Clean Air for Climate Action”.
As such, special attention should be paid to addressing air pollution problems so that all people around the world, as well as other living beings, can live long, healthy lives. In addition, to ensure clean air, everyone should make efforts, starting with each individual, to plant and conserve trees and reduce habits and practices that cause air pollution. Through such concerted efforts, everyone needs to contribute to creating a clean and healthy atmosphere for their own interests.