International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

When we think about air pollution, the first things that come to mind are usually health and the environment. We picture people struggling with respiratory illnesses, or smog hanging over a city skyline. However, there is another side to the story that often receives less attention: the economic costs of polluted air.

The World Bank¹ estimates that air pollution can drain up to five per cent of a country’s economy every year. That is money lost through reduced productivity, higher healthcare expenses, crop damage, and even wear and tear on buildings and infrastructure. In other words, failing to address air pollution does not save money; it actually wastes it.

So why does this matter? Acting on air pollution is not just about saving lives; it is also about saving economies. Cleaner air directly supports stronger, more resilient communities.

Take health and productivity, for example. When people breathe cleaner air, they are less likely to get sick. That means fewer sick days, lower medical bills, and a workforce that can stay active and efficient. Economies depend on people, and healthier people are more productive. Agriculture is another area where the economic case is clear. Certain pollutants, like ground-level ozone, reduce crop yields. For farmers, that means smaller harvests and lower incomes. For communities, it means less food security. Protecting the air also means protecting livelihoods and food supplies.

Then there is the urban angle. Cities that manage their air quality well often become more attractive to businesses and skilled workers. Clean, livable cities can draw investment, talent, and innovation, while polluted cities risk being left behind.

Let us not forget the connection to climate change. Many of the same pollutants that harm our lungs also contribute to global warming. Black carbon, for example, is a major contributor to climate change. Reducing these pollutants delivers two benefits simultaneously: improved health in the present and lower future climate costs.

The good news is that solutions exist, and they do not have to break the bank. Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy, such as solar mini-grids, has already proven to be cost-effective, especially in regions where electricity access is limited. Cleaner cookstoves for households are another simple fix. They reduce indoor smoke, cut down on deforestation, and lower health risks, all at an affordable price.

In cities, investing in public transport, cycling lanes, and walkable streets not only reduces traffic pollution but also makes urban life more efficient and enjoyable. For industries, installing filters and scrubbers on factories costs far less than the long-term damage caused by unchecked emissions. Innovative government policies, such as pollution taxes or subsidies for cleaner technologies, can encourage positive change without straining public budgets.

The bottom line is simple: inaction on air pollution is far more expensive than taking action. By investing in cost-effective solutions today, we not only clean the air but also strengthen economies, protect food systems, and build resilience against climate change. The challenge is to make sure these solutions are designed for local realities, affordable for communities, and supported by both public and private investment. At the end of the day, clean air is not just an environmental goal; it is also an economic strategy.

1. ^{https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099032625132535486/pdf/P502230-d16d0858-2e18-41df-a7a6-f1188121ac83.pdf.}