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Following the release of the 2026 Europe Cities Report by The Lancet, Breathe Cities welcomed the publication and affirmed that European cities must be supported as essential actors in the climate transition.
Endorsing the research findings, Executive Director Cecilia Vaca Jones pointed to the unique leadership role of local governments:
“I welcome this report and its emphasis on cities as the catalyst for progress. This summer’s unprecedented wildfires and heatwaves in Europe have underscored that cities are on the frontline of climate change, and this is true in all parts of the world with El Niño having devastating environmental, health, and economic impacts. Cities are also uniquely positioned to lead. They take action faster, feel the consequences most acutely, and are already demonstrating that addressing pollution head-on saves lives. Through Breathe Cities, we aim to support mayors and local leaders as they chart the path toward a more resilient urban future.”
The publication represents the first cities report from the Lancet Countdown Europe tracking progress on health and climate change across European cities. Compiled with contributions from 58 experts spanning 31 academic institutions, the report explores 28 indicators across five domains and concludes that European cities are on the frontline of climate impacts.
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About Breathe Cities:
Breathe Cities is a global initiative supporting cities to clean the air and enhance public health. Delivered by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clean Air Fund and C40 Cities, the initiative offers cities tools to take ambitious clean air action by expanding access to data and raising public awareness. Launched in 2023 by Michael R. Bloomberg, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and C40 Cities Co-Chair, Breathe Cities is accelerating action in 16 cities to improve the air more than 88 million people breathe. To learn more, visit Breathe Cities’ website or follow on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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