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Nearly half of Americans are now breathing dangerous levels of air pollution, according to a new report by the American Lung Association, marking a sharp increase from last year and raising concerns about the ongoing effects of climate change and recent environmental rollbacks under the Trump administration.
The American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air report found that more than 156 million people live in areas with unhealthy levels of soot or smog, a 16% jump from the previous year and the highest figure in a decade.
While the report focuses on conditions in the US, air pollution remains a pressing global issue. Cities around the world are grappling with its health and environmental consequences, especially as urban populations grow. In response, international coalitions like C40 Cities—a network of global mayors—are pioneering efforts to cut emissions and improve air quality through green innovation. Although no US cities are currently part of the C40 network, these initiatives offer valuable models that could inspire similar changes elsewhere.
Click on to learn more about how these cities are addressing air pollution.
Air pollution kills 13 people every minute globally, revealing connections to various adverse health effects, making mitigation critical.
Increased urbanization worsens air quality, requiring urgent efforts to address emissions and protect public health, especially in densely populated cities.
Initiatives like C40's Clean Air Accelerator engage 50 cities in innovative strategies to counter air pollution's adverse effects.
There are 35 cities that are part of the C40's Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator, implementing bold plans to improve urban air quality and mobility.
In the last five years, cities around the world have introduced policies from vehicle-access restrictions to electrification of public bus fleets.
C40 cities address air pollution with initiatives ranging from waste reduction to bolstering green public transport systems.
Transportation is a major pollution source. However, measures like restricting polluting vehicles and enhancing public transport are revolutionizing city living.
London expanded its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), cutting nitrogen dioxide by nearly 50% and increasing compliant vehicles from 39% (2017) to 95% in 2024.
London's £270 million (approximately US$344 million) scrappage scheme helps replace polluting vehicles, encouraging greener, cleaner transportation options for residents.
London's ULEZ policies led to a 30% drop in pollution-linked asthma hospitalizations between 2017-2019, compared to 2014-2016.
Madrid, Milan, Seoul, and Bogotá (pictured) implemented stricter vehicle limits to improve air quality and enhance residents' well-being.
C40 cities have almost doubled electric bus numbers in the last three years, aiding air quality and meeting climate targets.
Santiago's (pictured) 2,000 electric buses (31% fleet), London's 1,300, and Seoul's hydrogen fuel buses showcase global electrification progress.
Despite progress, financing, infrastructure, and grid capacity are key hurdles in fully electrifying vehicle fleets for cities worldwide.
Cities are improving building performance, shifting from fossil fuels, and enhancing access to clean energy sources. Pictured is Amager Bakke, a unique Copenhagen facility blending waste-to-energy power production with recreational activities.
Non-class coal, a lower-quality fuel with high emissions, was banned in Warsaw in 2023 to reduce air pollution. Subsidies for renewable heating systems since 2018 support cleaner energy transitions.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, waste management is a significant challenge. Only about 43% of urban waste (9% in rural areas) is collected, while nearly 70% of waste is dumped openly.
Dakar rehabilitates waste-burning sites, reducing air pollution and creating jobs for young people through environmental restoration and sustainable practices.
Addis Ababa expands waste management through composting and recycling, reducing air pollution while fostering inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Cities like London and Jakarta have expanded air quality data networks, identifying pollution hotspots and empowering public health responses.
Warsaw added 100 air monitors in 2022, improving air quality data to address local pollution sources.
Nairobi also expanded its air monitoring network with 17 new stations, delivering real-time air quality data to the public for environmental awareness.
Education initiatives highlight air pollution risks and sources, fostering informed community engagement and decision-making.
Although 92% of Bogotá residents think about the air quality daily, many remain unaware of primary pollution sources, emphasizing education gaps.
London launched innovative visual campaigns to raise public awareness of air pollution, promoting behavioral changes and emissions reduction.
Cities, national governments, and private sectors must collaborate to expand air quality initiatives for broader, lasting impacts. Pictured are Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, Eric Garcetti, former Mayor of Los Angeles (left), and Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York (right).
Initiatives in informal settlements, such as electrification and clean energy access, improve equity while reducing pollution.
Low-cost sensors and advanced data systems are transforming air quality monitoring, enabling cities to implement more effective pollution controls.
Global cities lead the fight against air pollution, employing innovative strategies and technology to protect public health, setting an example for other urban centers worldwide.
Sources: (World Economic Forum)
Nearly half of Americans exposed to dangerous air pollution, report says
Climate change and Trump's rollbacks raise concerns over air quality
LIFESTYLE Environment
Nearly half of Americans are now breathing dangerous levels of air pollution, according to a new report by the American Lung Association, marking a sharp increase from last year and raising concerns about the ongoing effects of climate change and recent environmental rollbacks under the Trump administration.
The American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air report found that more than 156 million people live in areas with unhealthy levels of soot or smog, a 16% jump from the previous year and the highest figure in a decade.
While the report focuses on conditions in the US, air pollution remains a pressing global issue. Cities around the world are grappling with its health and environmental consequences, especially as urban populations grow. In response, international coalitions like C40 Cities—a network of global mayors—are pioneering efforts to cut emissions and improve air quality through green innovation. Although no US cities are currently part of the C40 network, these initiatives offer valuable models that could inspire similar changes elsewhere.
Click on to learn more about how these cities are addressing air pollution.