The urgent case for clean air action
Cities are taking decisive action on air pollution to save lives and cut emissions
Breathing clean air is a human right, yet 99% of the world’s population lives in areas that exceed safe pollution limits.[1] Air pollution causes 6.7 million premature deaths globally each year and increases the burden of chronic diseases, impacting marginalised communities the most.[2] 89% of these premature deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries.[3]
Air pollution is intrinsically linked to climate breakdown
Burning fossil fuels in transport, energy, industry, and waste sectors drives air pollution and climate breakdown simultaneously. Mayors recognise that public health, the climate crisis, and urban air quality are interconnected. C40 helps cities turn high-impact air quality solutions into action. Through technical assistance, peer-to-peer collaboration, and proven frameworks, cities are demonstrating that bold action is possible to protect communities most exposed to pollution. Reallocating space from cars to sustainable transport, creating clean air zones, phasing out fossil fuels for heating, and ensuring universal waste collection are just some of the measures cities are taking.
Creating clean air solutions that protect communities
Cities recognise that effective air quality solutions are most urgent for those at the highest risk. Successful clean air strategies must:
Address shared sources of pollution and emissions
Burning fossil fuels in transport, energy, industry, and waste drives air pollution and climate breakdown. Solutions that phase out fossil fuels deliver immediate health benefits while cutting emissions.
Protect communities facing the greatest harm
Air pollution disproportionately affects marginalised communities. Clean air zones, accessible public transport, and fossil fuel phase-outs must prioritise neighbourhoods with the worst air quality and health impacts.
Monitor air quality to track progress
Expanding city-wide air quality monitoring helps cities identify pollution hotspots, inform policy making, measure policy effectiveness, and build public trust. Data transparency strengthens accountability and public support for clean air policies.
Implement proven multi-sectoral solutions
Effective city-scale measures include:
- 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.
Align with health standards
Developing climate action plans that align with World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines ensures policies provide real health protection while advancing climate goals.
Cities are proving that comprehensive action works. Through coordinated policies across transport, energy, waste, and urban planning, clean air strategies save lives while building climate-resilient communities.
Learn about C40’s clean air programmes and networks
C40’s air quality work offers cities various ways to adopt clean air strategies, get technical support, and learn from others facing similar pollution issues.
C40 Clean Air Accelerator
See how C40 cities are setting ambitious reduction targets and implementing bold policies to improve air quality.
Clean Air Network
Learn how nearly 60 cities collaborate on air quality monitoring, health impact analysis, and policy implementation to meet public health, equity, and climate goals.
African Cities for Clean Air
Learn how African cities are working together to reduce air pollution through mayoral leadership, evidence-based policy design and implementation, and knowledge sharing.
Breathe Cities
Access resources from Breathe Cities, an initiative by Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies that supports cities globally to reduce air pollution and climate emissions.
Frequently asked questions
How do cities reduce air pollution while also meeting climate targets?
Air pollution and climate change are linked, with fossil fuels being a major contributor to both. Cities can protect health and cut emissions with coordinated efforts in transport, energy, industry, urban planning, and waste management. Inclusive clean air policies like clean air zones, fleet electrification, and phasing out fossil fuels are examples of initiatives that can deliver air quality, equity, and climate goals.
What air quality policies deliver the biggest health benefits?
Clean air is vital for cities’ health and prosperity. Key measures to achieve this include:
- 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.
These policies work best when combined in a comprehensive clean air strategy, integrating inclusive and equity considerations in their planning and implementation to deliver fairly distributed benefits.
How can cities monitor air quality effectively?
Cities need wide-ranging monitoring networks to track pollution levels across neighbourhoods, especially in disproportionately affected areas. C40’s Air Quality Data Explorer helps cities recognise local pollution trends. Regular monitoring shows residents that policies are effective and allows cities to adjust strategies based on real-time data.
How do cities ensure clean air policies protect communities with high exposure to air pollution?
Cities focus on policies in areas with the worst air quality, involve local communities in planning, and monitor health outcomes to reduce disparities. Initiatives like the Clean Air Accelerator provide frameworks for community-focused approaches that centre environmental justice. C40 works together with cities through initiatives such as African Cities for Clean Air and Breathe Cities to make this a reality.
Related
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.
Launched in partnership with The Climate Pledge – co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism – in 2023, Laneshift is an international initiative to decarbonize freight trucks in developing countries.
Supporting cities to create ambitious climate strategies that deliver meaningful community benefits.
