BreatheLife launch at Habitat 3:
BreatheLife Launch

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On 17 October 2016 at Habitat III’s Urban Stage in Quito, Ecuador, national and city government leaders from Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Nepal announced their commitment to improve air quality to protect people’s health and the climate as part of the World Health Organization and Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s newly launched BreatheLife campaign.

These commitments support local and national efforts already underway to reduce emissions from transport, municipal solid waste and cooking and heating sectors, and encourage further action to raise awareness about the multiple benefits from improving air quality.

The convening also marked the launch of the BreatheLife Cities Network, a global platform for cities around the world to show their support for clean air solutions and share progress in the global fight to reduce air pollution to safe levels by 2030.

Over 80% of people live in cities that do not meet the WHO’s guideline for safe air of 10 µg/m3 of PM2.5, the finest particulate matter that is invisible but can penetrate the body. Throughout the week, thousands of people had the opportunity to see how the air quality in their city is impacting the health of residents at BreatheLife2030.org and explore solutions at the BreatheLife exhibits in the UN Pavilion and Habitat Village.

 

 

Many were surprised to see the air quality gauge on BreathLife2030.org pass the WHO safe level limit and immediately wanted to know what can be done. From children to health care professionals to city and national government leaders, participants made their own personal call to action at the Breathe Life exhibit by calling on their city to reduce air pollution.

Call on your city to support clean air solution and join the BreatheLife Cities Network here.