28 March 2025
Press Release Global

Mayors Show Their Support for Clean Air, as New Analysis Reveals Health and Economic Benefits of Tackling Air Pollution in Cities

C40 Cities Co-Chairs Mayor Sadiq Khan of London and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown welcome new WHO Road Map to cut air pollution, while new Breathe Cities research outlines the significant gains for public health and the economy by improving urban air quality.

Cartagena, Colombia (March 28, 2025) – As health experts, government ministers and mayors gathered for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, Breathe Cities – an initiative delivered by Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities and Bloomberg Philanthropies – underscored how reducing air pollution can benefit cities, and the commitment of mayors around the world to drive clean air action. 

A new report from Breathe Cities analysed 63 diverse cities across 21 countries and 5 continents and shows the substantial health and economic opportunities for cities, especially those in Africa and Asia, if they follow the WHO’s new Road Map to halve the health impacts from air pollution by 2040.

Highlights

London’s Deputy Mayor on Energy and Environment, Mete Coban, who delivered a C40 Cities Co-Chair statement on behalf of 50 cities at WHO conference.
Mayors supported the WHO’s new Road Map and reaffirmed their commitment to tackling urban air pollution.
Breathe Cities’ analysis shows how 60+ cities can benefit by following the WHO’s new air pollution Road Map.

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Breathing Life into Cities found that, by 2040:

650,000 air pollution-related deaths could be avoided each year in the cities studied by reducing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in line with the WHO’s new Road Map.

Of these lives saved each year, an estimated 55,000 would be children aged 15 or under, and 395,000 people over the age of 65.

Each year, by avoiding air pollution-linked mortality, the cities will collectively preserve 5.7 million years of productive (working-age) life.

$1 trillion of annual economic damage would be avoided each year by reducing air pollution-linked deaths in these cities.

The call for urban action on air pollution was supported by London’s Deputy Mayor on Energy and Environment, Mete Coban, who delivered a statement on behalf of 50 cities from London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Co-Chairs of C40 Cities, at the conference.

It affirmed their commitment to reduce air pollution, support for the WHO’s 2040 Road Map, and called on national governments to expand investments in clean air solutions, strengthen air quality monitoring systems, and recognize cities as key partners in developing and implementing clean air strategies.

Breathing clean air is not a luxury—it’s a fundamental human right that should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. We recognize that air pollution is not just an environmental crisis—it is a public health emergency and a matter of justice. By prioritizing clean air policies that protect those most at risk, we can create healthier, fairer, and more livable cities for all.”

Mayor Sadiq Khan of London and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown

C40 Cities Co-Chairs

“The new Breathing Life into Cities report shows the massive opportunity cities have within their grasp to save lives and boost their economies by taking action for clean air. We can’t let this pass us by,” said Jane Burston, CEO of the Clean Air Fund. “City leaders and communities can work together and embrace clean air solutions that not only benefit those most affected by pollution today, but also future generations. We hope this report will inspire cities and their residents to join the clean air movement.”

“Clean air is essential for healthy, thriving communities. City policies that promote cleaner air don’t just reduce pollution—they also support public health and strengthen local economies,” said Priya Shankar, Environment Program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “Mayors and local leaders are on the front lines of this effort, and this report underscores the importance of prioritizing local action on air quality.”

Cities’ support for clean air action was further highlighted at Breathe Cities’ Forum yesterday at the WHO conference, where leaders from London, Bogotá, Santiago, Mendoza, Ambato and Despeñaderos discussed how they are tackling air pollution, and the role local leadership can play in raising public awareness on the impact of toxic air on people and the planet.

“Air pollution in our cities is an invisible threat, contributing to millions of deaths annually from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. It’s high time we prioritize people’s health over pollution,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization. “It’s encouraging to see so many cities around the world taking bold steps to safeguard our communities and protect our climate.”

“By cleaning the air, we can make our cities healthier, thriving places for people to live, work and play,” said Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro. “Our partnership with Breathe Cities is helping us expand our air quality monitoring, roll out cleaner public transport, and ensure those who are most affected by polluted air are part of the solutions.”

“As the Governor, I recognize the critical importance of addressing air pollution in our city, and realize the greatest environmental risks to human health are due to air pollution,” said Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok. “We, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, are firmly confident that the partnership among Breathe Cities members helps us improve air quality and shape public advocacy and policy measures for clean air in the city.”

“Everyone should breathe clean air, and we are committed to tackling air pollution in Johannesburg to ensure our communities feel the benefits,” said Dada Morero, Executive Mayor, City of Johannesburg. “Through our partnership with Breathe Cities, we’re engaged with youth-led campaigns and gathering data on the sources of air pollution to help make this a reality.”

“Nearly everyone who lives in a city is breathing air that is damaging their health, but no-one should be,” said Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities. “At C40, we are proud to be part of Breathe Cities and are confident that, by collaborating with local leaders, we can create cleaner, healthier, and greener urban environments worldwide.”