Almost the entire global population (99 per cent) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, and threatens their health. The global cost of health damages associated with exposure to air pollution is estimated at $8.1 trillion a year, equivalent to 6.1 per cent of global GDP. Shifting away from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy could prevent 1.2 million deaths a year resulting from exposure to fossil fuel-derived pollution.

The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, united the world to phase out ozone-depleting substances and put the ozone layer on a path to recovery. The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer raises awareness on the role of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth

This year’s high-level week of the General Assembly highlights the urgency of delivering on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and reinvigorating global cooperation. Under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” the 80th session aims to renew global commitment to multilateralism, solidarity and shared action.