On Wednesday June 5th St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined the global community in observing World Environment Day – under the theme “Air Pollution.”
In a Message to commemorate the day – Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres said “an estimated nine out of ten people worldwide are exposed to air pollutants that exceed World Health Organization air quality guidelines.”
This Ms. Guterres said is lowering life expectancy and damaging economies across the planet – noting that tackling air pollution presents a double opportunity as there are many successful initiatives that both clear the air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as phasing out coal-fired power plants and promoting less polluting industry, transport and domestic fuels.
With investments in renewable energy sources outstripping those in fossil fuels every year, the rise of clean energy is helping globally.
“Today, we face an equally urgent crisis. It is time to act decisively. My message to governments is clear: tax pollution; end fossil fuel subsidies; and stop building new coal plants. We need a green economy not a grey economy.”
Guterres calls on politicians and businesses to changing our own habits, we can reduce pollution and beat climate change.
