Theme: “Racing for Air. Every Breath Matters”
EVERY breath we take connects us to the world around us. Clean air is not a luxury. It is a basic human right. Today, September 7, Guyana joins the global community in observing the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies—a reminder that protecting the air we breathe is protecting life itself.
This annual observance, established by the United Nations in 2019, highlights how vital clean air is to our health, our environment, and our future. First celebrated in 2020, the day calls on governments, communities, and individuals everywhere to work together to reduce air pollution.

Why Clean Air Matters
Air pollution is often called a “silent killer” because we cannot always see it, but its impact is very real. The World Health Organization estimates that it contributes to eight million premature deaths every year. Children, the elderly, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other chronic conditions are especially at risk.
But this is not just a health issue. Air pollution damages crops, harms ecosystems, and worsens climate change through pollutants like methane, black carbon, and ground-level ozone. The costs are also felt in the economy, with billions spent annually on health care and lost productivity.

Air Quality Challenges in Guyana
• Construction-related dust
With rapid development, dust from roads and building projects often affects nearby communities, causing discomfort and health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
• Open burning
Burning garbage, vegetation, and farm waste remains common. The smoke and particulates harm local air quality and put children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups at risk.
• Vehicle emissions
The growing number of older vehicles on the road releases exhaust pollutants that reduce air quality in urban areas. Poor maintenance worsens the problem.
• Industrial activity
Sawmills, quarries, and factories can create dust and smoke if not well-regulated, leading to localised air pollution around communities.
• Household pollution
In some areas, the use of wood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution, affecting family health.
• Climate vulnerability
Hotter temperatures and changing weather can trap dust and smoke in the air longer, intensifying pollution’s impact.

What is EPA Doing?
The Environmental Protection Agency, under the Environmental Protection Act (Cap. 20:05), is actively working to safeguard Guyana’s air quality through a range of initiatives. The Agency has already established five permanent air quality monitoring stations across Regions 2, 4, 6, and 10, with eight additional stations planned for installation in 2025. To strengthen enforcement, mobile and handheld tools are used during inspections to detect pollution in real time.
The EPA also regulates emissions by issuing environmental permits with strict conditions and requiring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for projects that may pose air quality risks. Beyond regulation, the Agency encourages better practices by working closely with the construction sector to improve dust control and mitigation, while also running public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the impacts of air pollution.
Collectively, these measures support Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which aims to balance national development with environmental sustainability.

Shared Responsibility
The EPA cannot tackle air pollution on its own. Protecting the quality of the air we breathe requires the combined efforts of citizens, communities, industries, and policymakers. Clean air is a shared responsibility that demands action at every level of society.
• Citizens
Every individual can play a role in reducing air pollution. By reporting problems such as dust nuisances, illegal burning, or excessive smoke, citizens help the Agency respond more effectively. Practising proper waste disposal instead of burning garbage, maintaining vehicles to reduce emissions, and choosing cleaner energy sources where possible all contribute to better air quality. Citizens can also monitor air quality by using the link: https://www.iqair.com/guyana. Doing this will protect them, particularly sensitive receptors such as children, the elderly, and people who suffer from respiratory illnesses.
• Polluters
Businesses and individuals who generate emissions must recognise their duty to respect the rights of fellow Guyanese to breathe clean air. This means complying with environmental regulations, adopting dust and emission control measures, and investing in cleaner, more sustainable technologies. Taking responsibility is not only a legal obligation but also an ethical one.
• Communities
Stronger, healthier communities can help sustain clean air initiatives. Planting trees, preserving green spaces, and supporting eco-friendly practices provide long-term benefits by filtering pollutants and improving local air quality. Communities also play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering sustainable lifestyles, in keeping with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

Moving Forward
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies reminds us that protecting the air we breathe is essential to our health and future. For Guyana, it is a chance to celebrate progress, confront challenges like dust and open burning, and commit to stronger action. With continued monitoring, stricter enforcement, and greater public awareness, we can preserve clean air as a national priority.
By working together—government, communities, and citizens—we can ensure that every breath we take supports a healthier and more sustainable future.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “The Environmental Protection Agency”, C/O Communications Department, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: communications@epaguyana.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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