City Solutions Toolkit: Engaging the Media in Air Quality Communication

The media, with its ability to disseminate information both rapidly and widely, plays a vital role in reaching the public and different stakeholder groups, and is hence an important ally in air quality management. It is an instrument of change, with the ability to influence people’s attitudes and draw attention to the challenges that exist and possible solutions. A knowledgeable and empowered media enables better public understanding of the sources of air pollution, air quality data, government policies and mitigation efforts, health impacts and preventive actions; and enables the public and other stakeholders to play a key role in taking action to improve air quality.