Bloomberg Philanthropies has announced the launch of a $30 million partnership with C40 Cities and the UK-based Clean Air Fund to help ensure communities around the world have access to clean air. 

Announced on the first day of London Climate Week, the Breathe Cities initiative will provide funding, technical support, air quality data, community engagement, and capacity-building support to a group of cities to be announced later this year. Breathe Cities will build on London mayor Sadiq Khan’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) initiative to reduce vehicle pollution in the UK capital. ULEZ, which will be expanded city-wide in August, has led to a reduction of around 800,000 tons of CO_² emissions from vehicles across London and shown how air quality and carbon reduction are linked issues, according to Bloomberg Philanthropies.

“Cities around the world are proving that, with the right technology and support, they can reduce air pollution, protect public health, and fight climate change,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and former mayor of New York City. “Building on the effective work of London and others, our new Breathe Cities initiative brings together strong partners to help even more local leaders craft ambitious and equitable policies that can save and improve lives.” 

“As chair of C40 Cities, I am committed to working collaboratively across national borders and city boundaries to tackle air pollution and address the climate crisis,” said Khan. “Toxic air pollution is a public health crisis in many of our cities—leading to premature death and chronic disease. Countries in the Global South—which have contributed the least to climate change throughout history—are most severely affected, bearing the brunt of climate chaos. In my own city, to help drive down emissions, we are expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone London-wide, meaning five million more Londoners can breathe cleaner air. I’m proud that this partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clean Air Fund, and C40 Cities will enable cities across the globe to drive down emissions and tackle the air pollution crisis head on.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/yocamon)