The world is at a critical point. Air pollution is a public health emergency, and we are witnessing the impacts of the global climate crisis. To build a better future, we have to act urgently to address both issues. This is why the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Action Programme is supporting countries to take quick, coordinated action now.
Integrating climate and clean air efforts not only increases our chances of limiting warming to 1.5°C, it also maximises the climate, public health and food security benefits of action. This approach recognises that local, immediate health and development benefits, not long-term climate impacts, will increase motivation to reduce greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions.
High level dialogues are at the top of our agenda for promoting fast and integrated action. In July, we helped the Philippines to convene ASEAN countries for a roundtable discussion on air-pollution, health and climate action in Manila. We also met with ministers from Central America at their recent regional meeting in Guatemala and offered support through our partnership. Presently, we are working to secure high-level pledges on health, air quality and cooling efficiency to announce at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit and with France during its G7 Presidency.
But these dialogues are just a first step in a more ambitious plan. At our High Level Assembly on 22 September, Coalition partners will unveil our 2030 vision and new way of working that enables all countries to scale up action on climate, air pollution and health. We look forward to seeing you there!
Helena Molin Valdes,
Head of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat
Action programme updates
The Coalition's Action Programme to Address the 1.5˚C Challenge helps countries enhance ambition and act now. This month, we were in the Asia Pacific region.
Support action:
ASEAN Senior Level Workshop on Clean Air, Health and Climate
Leaders from across Southeast Asia looked at examples of the “Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-Based Solutions” report's 25 Clean Air Measures in practice. If implemented across the region, 1 billion people would enjoying clean air at the WHO’s strictest ambient standards by 2030. Find out more
Draft for review: "Increasing Ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions through Integrated Air Pollution and Climate Change Planning and Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Mitigation"
This draft discussion document proposes concrete steps to undertaking an integrated climate and air quality analysis in support of the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). To provide comments, download the document and send us your feedback by 16 August.
News highlights
Philippines hosts Southeast Asian ministerial roundtable on clean air, health and climate
Leaders from the ASEAN region and beyond discussed how addressing local priorities like air pollution can contribute to global climate action.
UN urges governments to act on climate and air pollution for health’s sake
World body calls on local, regional and national governments to declare commitments to actions for climate, air quality and health at upcoming global summit.
Pioneer Argentinian farming method reduces air pollution and climate emissions
Training and outreach programmes are helping farmers learn about alternative machinery and new approaches to land management and fertiliser use.
Rural communities get access to clean energy in Adamawa state, Nigeria
Solar lighting is introduced into some of Nigeria’s poorest homes thanks to the networking capacity of a local community bank.
Maldives aims “to have the cleanest and healthiest air quality in the world”
The Maldives announced its participation in BreatheLife soon after launching its new National Action Plan on Air Pollutants.
Job announcment: Organic Waste Short-Lived Climate Pollution Mitigation Consultant
The Coalition is seeking a consultant on organic waste management to provide expert assistance to cities in Southeast Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia.
Welcome to our new partners
Upcoming events
- One Planet Summit & G7 Summit
24-26 August | Biarritz, France - 15th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME)
2 September | Cambodia - 11th CCAC High-Level Assembly
22 September | New York City, USA - UN Climate Action Summit 2019
23 September | UNHQ New York City, USA - 29th ISWA World Congress
7 - 9 October 2019 | Bilbao, Spain - C40 World Mayors Summit
9 - 12 October 2019 | Copenhagen, Denmark - ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum 2019 (ESEF 2019)
22 – 24 October 2019 | Accra, Ghana - African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN)
11-15 November | South Africa
New resources
La mitigación de los contaminantes climáticos de vida corta ofrece una oportunidad de alcanzar máximos beneficios a través de una coordinación de acciones para limitar tanto emisiones de GEI como...
Entities that wish to commit to reduce methane from the oil and gas sector and join the Global Methane Alliance should complete and sign this form.
The Maldives’ National Action Plan on Air Pollutants is an integrated appraoch to reducing both air pollution and cliamte forcers. The Maldives’ Ministry of Environment has developed, compiled and...
The Federal Executive Council of Ministers approved in May 2019 Nigeria’s National Action Plan to reduce short-lived climate pollutants. This plan, developed by the the Federal Ministry of...
Recommended reading
Oil and gas sector can bring quick climate win by tackling methane emissions
UN Environment
5 Under-recognized Impacts of Air Pollution
World Resources Institute
It's time we stopped treating soil like dirt – video
The Guardian
Mozambican women using kerosene lamps have higher exposure to black carbon
Medical Life Sciences
Funds, grants & awards
PFAN – K-CEP Call for Applications for Efficient, Clean Cooling Projects
This is a call for applications to work with the private sector towards climate-friendly cooling for all. Selected clean, efficient cooling projects will receive free coaching & investor matchmaking support.
Deadline: See website for details
Clean Cooking Alliance 2019 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award
This Award recognizes outstanding female leaders in the household energy sector who are advancing clean cooking solutions in emerging markets. Applicants may nominate themselves or nominate others who fit the qualification criteria.
Deadline: 16 August 2019