This photo shows the skyline at sunset in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua)

Investments in clean transport, industrial upgrades, improved monitoring and strong standards have propelled China's progress, demonstrating that decisive policies can lead to rapid improvements, said a UN official.

NAIROBI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's ecological civilization concept closely aligns with the United Nations' call for integrated solutions and its determined efforts have driven rapid progress in green transition, Martina Otto, head of the Secretariat for the United Nations' Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), has said.

In an interview with Xinhua ahead of the sixth International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies slated for Sept. 7, Otto said that investments in clean transport, industrial upgrades, improved monitoring and strong standards have propelled China's progress, demonstrating that decisive policies can lead to rapid improvements.

Addressing the event's theme, "Racing for Air," Otto emphasized the urgent global air quality crisis, saying, "Ninety-nine percent of people worldwide breathe air that fails to meet WHO standards, and air pollution is the second leading cause of death globally."

Otto noted that there is a clear opportunity for action against the harm, stressing that countries should phase out dirty fuels and high-emitting vehicles, and cities should expand clean public transport, provide clean household energy, stop the open burning of waste, and invest in nature-based solutions.

"Clean air is a triple win for our health, climate and economies," Otto said, adding that China's experience offers a valuable model for the world.

Otto further highlighted that China's concept of ecological civilization -- where prosperity is achieved in harmony with nature -- aligns closely with the United Nations' vision. A cleaner environment is not a trade-off with growth but rather the foundation for healthier populations and more resilient economies, driving the development of new green industries, she added.

"Ecological civilization emphasizes that integrated strategies are the way forward," she said. "By cutting pollution, we protect health, slow climate change and strengthen ecosystems."

"On the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, we will showcase such examples to inspire and accelerate action everywhere," Otto said.

"This demonstrates that clean air is achievable in a relatively short time and shows that cleaner pathways bring tangible benefits: healthier populations, more resilient economies, stronger food security and reduced climate risks," she added.■