Breathe Cities is a new initiative to accelerate progress, break down barriers to action, and ensure communities around the world have access to clean air. The initiative was announced by Michael R. Bloomberg, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, and London Mayor and C40 Chair Sadiq Khan.

Almost no urban area has air quality that meets the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). 41% of cities have air pollution over 7 times higher than WHO’s recommendation, meaning their residents are breathing dangerously polluted air that can cause a range of health issues such as asthma and respiratory illnesses.

The $30 million clean air initiative is a partnership between Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clean Air Fund and C40 Cities to reduce air pollution that is harmful to public health and the climate. It builds on support already provided by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.

Funding, technical support, air quality data, community engagement, capacity building and more will be provided to a group of cities to be announced later this year. Breathe Cities will arm these cities with resources and support by focusing on four key pillars:

  1. Data and Research: Expand the availability of local air quality data through the use of innovative new technologies and research into causes of air pollution to provide local governments with evidence for implementing and enforcing new policies.
  2. Stakeholder and Community Engagement: Engage local campaigns and grassroots organizers to build awareness and support for air quality action, especially for communities most affected by air pollution.

Read the full article about reducing pollution and emissions at Clean Air Fund.