A phased city air quality management approach for faster clean air progress

Abstract

Clean air is a basic human right, yet over 90% of people are exposed to unhealthy levels of pollution, resulting in over 5 million deaths each year. The burden of air pollution is the greatest in densely populated cities; and will continue to grow without rapid and aggressive action to reduce pollution emissions. Air pollution is associated with chronic illnesses, including diabetes and heart and lung diseases, which can make people more susceptible to COVID-19. Local governments must prioritise feasible and scalable proven solutions and innovations in their jurisdictions to control local emissions in the near term while engaging advocacy and cooperation for regional and national actions to improve air quality over the long term. Vital Strategies' Accelerating City Progress on Clean Air: Innovation and Action Guide (the Guide) is an evidence-based, pragmatic playbook for helping city governments develop comprehensive air quality management systems to rapidly promote clean air for health. This talk will summarise the pragmatic step-by-step approach laid out in the Guide, and describe progress underway in Jakarta, Indonesia, where this guidance is being implemented to strengthen the city's clean air plan. Strategies to be discussed will include: innovations to improve data on air pollution levels and sources, health impact analyses using local data and policy implications; improved data transparency and communication on air quality issues; and the intersectoral approach and coordination being undertaken to accelerate and sustain clean air action.