Abu Dhabi (NVI): The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), together with UN-Habitat and IQAir, today launched the world’s largest air quality data platform at the Tenth World Urban Forum in Abu Dhabi.
The real-time air pollution data from over 4,000 contributors, including citizens, communities, governments and the private sector to work towards healthier, more sustainable cities.
Globally, 7 million people die each year because of air pollution.
This partnership is currently reaching over 15 million users and covering more than 7,000 cities globally. Aim is to sustain and grow the world’s foremost air quality databank.
The data, shared on a single, UN-coordinated platform, will empower governments to take action to make investment decisions that promote a cleaner, greener environment.
Air pollutants not only affect our health, they also affect ecosystems and food production; air pollution is also linked to climate change. Despite this, most people don’t have access to real-time air quality data.
Joyce Msuya, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, said, “We are excited to be launching this partnership with UN-Habitat and IQAir to bring information and most importantly, encourage action by citizens, governments and the private sector.”
The UNEP platform builds upon IQAir’s technology to aggregate, validate and calibrate air quality data that until now was either restricted to individually-run websites or apps, or not shared publicly.
UN-Habitat helps cities to develop plans that can reduce air pollution, including public transport and waste management interventions.
Even within a single country or city, access to air quality information can vary among different communities. While Europe, Asia and North America have thousands of monitoring stations providing real-time air quality information.
Poor air quality is a problem that affects urban populations particularly so the ability to measure and take action to improve the health of those living in our towns and cities is critical.
The platform addresses the global air quality information gap by bringing together data collected by governments, NGOs, companies and local community groups and individuals. Anyone can apply to contribute tp real-time air quality data. To ensure data accuracy, IQAir brings global air quality map in creating and operating its experience.
IQAir CEO Frank Hammes said, “We recognize that some of the world’s most vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by poor air quality.”
By improving access to real-time air quality data, this unique collaboration between UN entities, the private sector and local governments is expected to change how transport, waste management and other services are managed in cities so that air pollution from these activities is noticeably reduced, if not eliminated.
