C40 Cities mayors launch global air quality campaign as new poll reveals widespread support

It's in the Air - Hope. Change. Progress.

Mayors from C40 cities are gathering in Paris today to launch 'It's in the Air' - a new global C40 campaign that highlights people-focused urban planning initiatives led by the mayors of Bogotá, Quito, Seattle, and Stockholm.

Clean air zones are transforming communities by creating spaces where residents can connect, move freely, access public transport, and enjoy urban life. Over 30 C40 cities mayors are committed to establishing or expanding clean air zones by 2030.

Launching in Paris, as the city prepares for the 2024 Olympics, we're celebrating C40 Cities Vice Chair Mayor Hidalgo's efforts to green and pedestrianise landmarks such as the Champs-Élysées and the Seine Riverbank and introduce a limited traffic zone in the historic city centre by the end of 2024.

The 'It's in the Air' campaign will run until Clean Air Day on 7 September 2024 and will feature various events celebrating clean air policies worldwide. Activities will include street closures and cargo bike rides in Seattle, sports and cultural events in Stockholm and Quito, and community workshops in Bogotá.

Watch to feel inspired by the transformative effects of clean air zones:

New data underscores the popularity and impact of clean air policies globally

The campaign launch comes as new polling by ClearPath Strategies for C40 Cities reveals strong support for measures to improve air quality worldwide. With responses from residents in Bogotá, Johannesburg, London, Quito, Seattle, Seoul, Stockholm, and Warsaw, results show overwhelming backing for transforming streets and public spaces. Key findings include:

• Over 80% of respondents in each city want their leaders to prioritise clean air, with 98% in Bogotá.
• More than 90% support expanding public transport and active mobility.
• 88% favour creating or expanding clean air zones, with Johannesburg and Quito showing approval rates of 97% and 96%, respectively.

Also published today are new data assessing the impact of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion in London, led by C40 Cities Co-Chair Mayor Sadiq Khan. The expansion, which makes London's clean air zone the largest in the world, has led to:

• A 13% reduction in nitric oxide emissions (NOx) from cars and a 7% reduction from vans, cutting total NOx emissions by 424 tonnes.
• A 22% decrease in fine particulate pollutants (PM2.5) emissions from cars.
• Continued improvements in London's air quality at a faster rate than the rest of England, UK.

This reduction in emissions not only helps lower carbon emissions from transport but also decreases harmful pollutants, protecting the health of all Londoners. Alongside the new poll data, these results underscore the popularity and impact of urban clean air policies.

'It's In The Air' complements C40's 'Breathe Cities ' programme, developed in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Clear Air Fund. Supported by US $30 million in funding, Breathe Cities aims to reduce air pollution by 30% by 2030 across participating cities, thereby cutting carbon emissions and improving public health.

A word from mayors and C40's leadership

C40 Co-Chair, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I'm proud that London is now home to the world's largest Clean Air Zone, significantly reducing air pollution and protecting the health of Londoners.

"Cleaning up the air we breathe takes courage and bold action. Alongside ULEZ, we are home to Europe's largest electric bus fleet, and we are leading the way in electric vehicle uptake with more than 20,000 electric charging points - more than one third of the UK's total - as we work to achieve net zero by 2030. The number of protected cycle routes in London has increased fourfold since 2016 and we have planted hundreds of thousands of new trees across the capital in our efforts to make the city more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

"The 'It's In The Air' campaign will help spread the message that reducing emissions is not only essential for public health but can also make cities more pleasant, vibrant and exciting places to live. I commend my C40 global leaders for taking this threat seriously and reaffirming their dedication to improving the air quality in their cities. Together we can build a greener, safer and healthier world for all."

C40 Vice Chair, 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."

C40 Cities Executive Director, 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."

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