UNDP launches ‘Clean Air’ campaign amid deteriorating air quality

City Desk :
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a #LetsBreatheWell: Clean Air Campaign for clean air to raise awareness about the deteriorating air quality in the city.

Reports from the last few months demonstrate that Dhaka’s air quality is deteriorating. Concerned about the situation, the UNDP launched the time befitting campaign in the capital, according to a press release on Friday, reports UNB.

Air pollution is a critical issue in Bangladesh, with the air quality worsening each year.

According to a report from the World Bank, more than 80,000 people died in 2019 due to air pollution. And the economic loss is about 3.9 to 4.4 per cent of the country’s entire GDP.

“That’s a huge impact on our health and economy,” the UNDP press release said.

Recognising the urgency, UNDP in Bangladesh kicked off the #BreatheWellDhaka campaign in 2023 to mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, it added.

Followed by the first phase, UNDP launched #LetsBreatheWell: Clean Air Campaign Design Challenge to engage with different University Clubs all over Bangladesh to get creative ideas and spread the word about clean air.

This challenge aims to engage university students in crafting innovative mcampaigns to raise awareness about air pollution and advocate for cleaner air across the country.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.

The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and ozone.

Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.