Strengthening city action on air quality and health
Air pollution in cities comes from a mix of transport, industry, waste, construction, and household energy use. C40’s Air Quality Technical Assistance Programme helps cities understand these complex sources, build reliable evidence, and design practical clean air solutions that also reduce emissions.
Technical assistance is available to cities in the Clean Air Network and C40 Clean Air Accelerator.
How the programme works with cities
The Air Quality Technical Assistance Programme provides practical, project-based support tailored to each city’s needs. Key areas of support include:
Designing air quality monitoring networks
Guidance on planning monitoring networks, choosing sensors, and managing data so cities can accurately track pollution and identify hot spots.
Assessing policy impacts
Support to assess how clean air interventions like clean air zones, emissions testing, or electrification of freight affect both air quality and public health. This helps leaders and city staff prioritise the most effective actions.
Co-developing city projects
C40 has worked with cities such as Bangalore, Bogotá, Mexico City, Delhi, Jakarta, Lima, Quezon City, and Rio de Janeiro to develop air quality management plans, health impact assessments, and targeted clean air interventions.
Building public support
Help design messages and materials that explain air pollution risks, highlight benefits, and build trust with residents and stakeholders.
Access tools and resources
The programme has developed practical tools, guidance, and reports that help cities understand the links between air quality and climate action, and apply evidence-based approaches in their own context.
Pathways Air Quality
Pathways AQ assesses the air quality and health implications of climate policies across multiple sectors. The tool models fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and estimates city-wide mortality impacts from six air pollution-linked diseases. It’s designed for cities developing comprehensive climate action plans.
Air Quality through Urban Action (AQUA)
AQUA is a rapid assessment tool that measures the air quality impact of individual policies or actions. It requires less data than Pathways AQ and includes self-paced training, making it accessible for cities with limited technical capacity.
Read city case studies
These case studies provide insights for city teams looking to improve air quality. They highlight the methods, evidence, and engagement strategies that helped cities move from analysis to real-world implementation.
Access the case studies in:
View technical assistance reports
These reports share the methods, findings, and lessons from city projects supported through the programme, helping other cities understand what worked, why, and how similar approaches could be adapted in their own context.
Low-Emission Zones
Vehicle Emission Testing & Electrification
Air Quality & Health Impacts of Climate Action
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Cities are uniting to deliver ambitious air quality improvements and achieve pollution reduction targets.
Supporting African C40 cities to take action on air pollution through technical support, peer learning, and policy development.
