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7 September: what is celebrated today
Every 7 September, the international calendar invites us to reflect and take action on topics as varied as clean air, police cooperation, awareness of rare diseases, a passion for diving, and even redhead pride. Behind each commemoration are stories, scientific advances, calls for solidarity, and cultural curiosities worth knowing about.
International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
Air is invisible, but essential. Yet pollution has turned it into a silent risk for millions of people. That is why the UN proclaimed the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, with the aim of encouraging policies, technologies and habits that reduce atmospheric pollutants and protect the health of the planet and those of us who inhabit it.
Benefits of clean air:
It prevents respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
It increases quality of life and productivity.
It reduces stress and supports physical and mental wellbeing.
It protects entire ecosystems and biodiversity.
Breathing pure air is not just a pleasure: it is a human right that we must defend.
International Day of Police Cooperation
The UN established this observance in 2023 to strengthen collaboration between police forces around the world, improving the fight against organised crime and terrorism, always with respect for human rights.
Some key organisations in this cooperation:
INTERPOL, with 194 member countries.
EUROPOL, for European states.
AFRIPOL, on the African continent.
AMERIPOL, for the Americas.
A safer world requires shared information, joint training and trust between nations.
World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day
The date 7/9 is no coincidence: the gene that causes this rare disease has 79 exons. In this way, the UN seeks to raise awareness of a disorder that mainly affects children and causes progressive muscle weakness, affecting mobility, heart function and breathing.
The 2024 theme, ‘Raise your voice for Duchenne’, calls for the promotion of research, early diagnosis and support for families. Although there is still no cure, physiotherapy, medical treatments and comprehensive care improve the quality of life of those affected.
World Diver Day
Whether professional, recreational or scientific, diving opens the door to a fascinating underwater world. This day pays tribute to those who explore and protect the ocean depths, and reminds us of the importance of the oceans for life on Earth.
Recommended films:
Mission Blue (2014), about oceanographer Sylvia Earle.
Cave Rescue (2022), the thrilling rescue in Thailand.
El Gran Azul (1988), a classic of European cinema.
World Redhead Day
It began in 2006 in the Netherlands, when a photographer invited redheads from around the world to a large gathering. Today it is a global celebration of genetic and cultural diversity.
Interesting facts:
Only 1 in every 100 people has red hair.
Ireland and Scotland have the highest percentages.
A mutation in the MC1R gene is responsible for the distinctive red hair colour.
From a myth of bad luck to a symbol of pride, redheads today are claiming their place in history and popular culture.