07/09/2026
Clean air is something we rarely think about—until it becomes difficult to breathe.
Every 7 September, the world observes the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, a day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019 and first observed in 2020. It was created to raise awareness and encourage collective action to improve air quality for people and the planet.
And the numbers show why that action matters. According to the World Health Organization, 99% of the global population breathes air that does not meet WHO air-quality guidelines, while air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million deaths every year.
Clean air is connected to the choices we make every day—from the energy we use and the way we travel to how we produce, consume and manage waste.
At WAT, we believe electronics have a role in that conversation too. Producing new devices requires raw materials, energy, manufacturing and transportation—all of which can contribute to emissions and air pollution. Keeping electronics in use for longer through repair and reuse can help reduce the demand for new production.
And when electronics reach the end of their useful life, responsible handling matters. Improper disposal, particularly practices such as uncontrolled burning or unsafe processing of electronic waste, can release harmful pollutants into the environment. Proper recycling helps recover valuable materials while reducing the risks associated with unsafe disposal.
That is why extending the life of electronics and managing end-of-life devices responsibly can be part of the wider effort toward cleaner air, healthier communities and a more circular economy.
This International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, let’s protect what we can’t live without.
Marishka Kvlividze Grégoire Denjean-Massia
