Protecting public health through clean air
Through science-based targets, cities are transforming air quality at a rapid pace.
Air pollution is responsible for 6.7 million premature deaths each year, most of which could be prevented by lessening exposure to dirty air. 89% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with the poorest communities facing the highest exposure despite contributing the least to the problem.
Cities around the world are able to address the key air pollution sources within their jurisdiction, from transport and construction to industry. Mayors can lead the way by implementing inclusive and evidence-based policies and programmes, and forging partnerships with regional and national governments to help deliver clean air action on a greater scale and secure the investment needed to do so. Cities can limit high-polluting vehicles, mandate low-emission construction equipment, and expand public transport systems, providing tangible health benefits for residents.
The C40 Clean Air Accelerator brings together more than 50 C40 cities to speed up this shift and meet World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines. This ambitious commitment will cut fossil fuel use in cities and ensure a fair transition that protects communities most affected while creating good, green jobs.
Why cities are taking urgent action on air quality
Air pollution is one of the world’s most serious environmental health risks
Around 99% of people breathe air that does not meet safe standards. The effects are serious: preventable deaths, lung disease, heart conditions, and other health problems. Children, older people, and those already living with medical issues are especially at risk.
Air quality improvements deliver both health and climate benefits
The same sources that pollute the air – transport emissions, coal power, and industrial processes – also drive climate change. When cities reduce these pollution sources, they simultaneously improve public health and cut greenhouse gas emissions through integrated policy approaches.
Inclusive clean air policies prioritise the most affected communities
Air pollution exposure is highest in marginalised neighbourhoods near highways, industrial areas, and with limited green space. Inclusive clean air solutions reduce health disparities while creating more livable cities for all residents.
Clean air investments deliver strong economic returns and green job creation
Businesses increasingly choose to set up in cities with healthier air to attract staff, protect their health, and cut the costs caused by diseases related to poor air quality. Measures like clean air zones and accessible public transport can make cities more appealing places to live, work, and invest.
Cities have proven technology for rapid air quality improvements
Air quality monitoring and improvement technologies are well-established and accessible. Robust air quality monitoring allows for evidence-based policy development and transparent progress tracking, while successful policies can be adapted across different city contexts and income levels.
What cities commit to through the C40 Clean Air Accelerator
Commitment 1: Set ambitious targets and monitor air pollution
Set ambitious reduction targets that put cities on a path towards final and/or interim WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Cities will also establish and maintain city-wide air quality monitoring, making data publicly available.
Commitment 2: Implement policies to address the top causes of air pollution
Implement substantive new policies and programmes to address the top causes of air pollution and emissions within cities, while integrating inclusive and equitable considerations in their planning and implementation to deliver fairly distributed benefits.
Cities committed to the Clean Air Accelerator
Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Amman, Austin, Bangkok, Barcelona, Bengaluru, Berlin, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Dakar, Delhi, Dubai, Durban (eThekwini), Ekurhuleni, Freetown, Guadalajara, Heidelberg, Houston, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Kolkata, Lagos, Lima, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Madrid, Medellín, Milan, Nairobi, Oslo, Paris, Phoenix, Portland, Quezon City, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Rotterdam, Salvador, Seoul, Stockholm, Sydney, Tel Aviv – Yafo, Tokyo, Tshwane, Warsaw, Washington DC
How cities will deliver these commitments
Cities will implement new policies and regulations, and integrate pollution-reducing actions into Climate Action Plans, such as:
- reallocating space from cars to active and sustainable transport modes
- deploying zero-emission buses
- creating clean air zones
- phasing out solid and fossil fuel use for cooking and heating
- ensuring universal waste collection.
Cities will also conduct health impact research, raise public awareness, create emissions inventories, and advocate with other levels of government.
Cities will publicly report their progress every two years on pollution reduction and Accelerator commitments.
Questions about the Clean Air Accelerator?
Contact airquality@c40.org for information on commitment requirements, implementation strategies, and participating cities.
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Related
Breathing clean air is a human right, but 99% of the world’s population lives in areas that exceed safe pollution limits. Breathing dirty air leads to premature death and disease, disproportionately impacting marginalised and vulnerable communities.
Cities are taking urgent action on air pollution to tackle climate breakdown, improve air quality, and create greener, healthier, more resilient cities.
Discover how mayors and cities worldwide are delivering on their commitments to take urgent climate action through C40’s High-Impact Accelerators.
The It’s in the Air campaign supports cities and mayors taking action on air quality to create healthier streets and protect the people and places we love.
