C40 mayors launch global air quality campaign

C40, the network of mayors from 96 of the world’s leading cities, is meeting in Paris today to launch a new air quality initiative called ‘It’s In The Air’ .

C40’s Vice Chair Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, is hosting the event ahead of the Olympic games opening ceremony. Paris has strived to make this Olympiad the greenest possible, with measures such as the pedestrianisation of the Champs-Élysées and the Seine Riverbank and there are plans to introduce a limited traffic zone in the city centre by the end of this year.

The ‘It’s in the Air’ campaign will run until World Clean Air Day on 7th September 2024 and will feature events celebrating clean air policies worldwide such as street closures and bike rides in Seattle, sports and cultural events in Stockholm and Quito, and community workshops in Bogotá.

The campaign will highlight the benefits of Clean Air Zones as policies to improve air quality and, consequently, health and wellbeing.

Among the delegation of C40 mayors present at the launch are : Mayor Gallego of Phoenix, Mayor Se-hoon Oh of Seoul, Mayor Solberg of Oslo, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Haestorp Andersen and Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski of Warsaw.

The ‘It’s In The Air’ campaign is one of a number of air quality initiatives in which C40 is involved. Others programmes include African Cities for Clean Air, through which C40 provide air quality technical assistance to five African cities; and Breathe Cities, which is delivered by C40 along with Clean Air Fund, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

C40 have also released the results of a poll conducted by ClearPath Strategies which reveals enthusiastic support for efforts to improve air quality around the world. 

2,100 people – 300 in each of Bogotá, Johannesburg, London, Quito, Seattle, Seoul, and Warsaw – were questioned about their views on air quality, with over 80% of respondents saying they want their leaders to prioritise clean air. In Bogotá that figure was 98%

Furthermore, 88% were in favour of the creation or expansion of clean air zones. In Johannesburg this figure was 97% and in Quito (Ecuador) 96%.

Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, said: ‘Paris is spearheading a number of initiatives to improve people’s health and well-being, and advancing climate action and clean air zone policies to put humans, rather than vehicles, at the heart of our city.

‘Under my leadership, Paris has shown a deep commitment to transforming our streets, public spaces, and transport systems. 1500 km of bike lanes are open throughout the city and connect Paris to its neighbouring towns; we have pedestrianised hundreds of roads, including over 200 school streets, and transformed the Seine; all whilst incorporating clean air policies into urban planning.

‘Paris’s collaboration with C40 mayors ahead of the Olympics and in line with the ‘It’s In The Air’ campaign demonstrates how cities can pass the baton to each other, join forces to combat the climate crisis and celebrate open, healthier, more liveable streets for everyone.’

Executive Director of C40 Cities, Mark Watts, said: ‘The ‘It’s In The Air’ campaign underscores cities’ crucial role in the urgent fight for our planet’s survival.

‘By prioritising clean air and water, cities are spearheading a revolution in urban sustainability, combating the climate crisis head-on.

‘From pioneering Clean Air Zones in London to pedestrian-only zones in Bogotá and hundreds of kilometres of new cycleways in Paris, C40 cities are setting a precedent.

‘This collective effort is not just about policy—it’s about reclaiming our right to breathe unpolluted air, walk freely in our cities and keep our water safe for residents. Together, we forge a path towards a future where every city worldwide thrives in harmony with nature.’