Newsletter: July 2019

Message from the Secretariat

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.

ASEAN Senior Level Workshop on Clean Air, Health and ClimateLeaders 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