Data from UN Environment, the United Nations environmental agency, shows that 9 out of 10 people in the world are exposed to high levels of air pollution. Approximately 7 million people die prematurely every year from diseases caused by air pollution. In large cities, the problem is greater, due to large industries and urban concentration.
According to the UN Environment representative in Brazil, Denise Hamú, “Often, we do not see the pollutants that are in the air. But this form of pollution is killing so many people that it is now called 'the new tobacco'. Choosing the theme to guide actions this year is an opportunity to disseminate information and encourage more and better public policies for air quality, in all spheres – global, national, state and municipal. It is also a call for more investment in green technologies and changes in the daily lives of each citizen.”
