Zero Emissions Day (also ZeDay), is annually observed by people in many countries around the world on September 21. The main message of this event is “Giving our planet a day off a year”. Celebrated every year since 2008, this day aims to contribute cutting carbon emissions to zero by removing carbon from the atmosphere.

The purpose of Zero Emissions Day is to offer a preview of what a planet without the release of fossil fuels into the air would look like. A single day to raise awareness on the impact of our daily emissions, which are gases and particles emitted by electricity, agriculture, or transportation.

The present-day observance was shaped in 2008, and since then it's annually observed on September 21. The message of the campaign exists in 12 languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and English) to draw more attention to the problem of gas emission worldwide.

The idea began in 2008 in Nova Scotia, Canada, when activist Ken Wallace launched the official ZeDay, with a very precise slogan: “Giving our Planet a day off a year.” He tried to initiate the event together with his friends, but during the 1980s an early Internet message didn't draw much attention. However, the idea existed and with the emergence of Internet social networks it was implemented.

In a short space of time, it evolved into a major global movement with events, awareness-raising campaigns and lessons in schools. The aim is not just to allow the Earth to breathe but also to make all of us more responsible about our energy consumption: our everyday energy choices, which are often dictated by a hectic routine that doesn’t leave any time to sit down and think, are actually the key to creating powerful cultural change.

The mobility sector, for instance, is currently responsible for around a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. For one day a year, we can choose to make the journey to work by bike or train. Both are far greener choices than traditional vehicles - with the exception of e-cars - thanks in part also to a growing renewables-derived energy mix.

We can also simply disconnect all non-essential devices at home such as TVs, computers and other electronic devices. It’s a small gesture on Zero Emissions Day to remind ourselves that commitment to the energy transition starts with us each and every day through the choices we make.

Various measures are taken in the field of fighting against climate change in Azerbaijan. At the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, Azerbaijan announced the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions up to 40 percent by 2050 and the creation of a "net zero emission" zone in the liberated territories as an additional voluntary commitment.