News 25 April 2025
Patryk is also founder of the Silesian Climate Movement and coordinator of the Clean Air Campaign
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Clean Air Fund together with partners have launched a new Air Quality Toolkit for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
This toolkit provides practical guidance in understanding air pollution, integrating air quality improvements into development projects across different sectors, and tracking air quality outcomes. It is designed for project officers to help them integrate air quality considerations into their projects. It was conceptualised by the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Clean Air Finance Working Group and prepared in consultation with DFI colleagues with support from the Ricardo Group, Clean Air Asia, and funding from the Clean Air Fund. It has also been endorsed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), ADB, IDB, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Expertise France.
DFIs have a core role to play to support air quality action in low- and middle-income countries. Clean Air Fund’s annual State of Global Air Quality Funding 2024 report found that only 1% of international development assistance was allocated to projects with a specific aim to improve air quality.
As we all recognise the severe and adverse impact of air pollution to our health and economy, we call for urgent action at scale from all partners to accelerate tangible solutions to improve air quality.
Bruno Carrasco, Director General of ADB’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department
ADB has been supporting air quality improvement in Asia and the Pacific region, financing more than $2.5 billion in investments over the past 8 years.
In the current economic climate, we need to make our money go further. We need to prioritise investments that improve lives in multiple ways—by increasing economic prosperity, promoting sustainable development, and improving health. Clean air can contribute to all of those. By harnessing these resources, we can drive transformative change worldwide, creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Jane Burston, CEO at the Clean Air Fund
Air pollution has a wide range of serious, but underappreciated adverse effects. It is a leading cause of illness and premature death in the Global South, reduces labour productivity, and undermines educational attainment. As a result, improving air quality is key to advancing sustainable development in the region. To that end, between 2017 and 2021, the IDB invested $5.9 billion in projects that deliver air quality co-benefits.
Juan Pablo Bonilla, Sector Manager for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at IDB
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
IDB is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region’s public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.
Clean Air Fund is a global philanthropic organisation working with governments, funders, businesses, and campaigners to create a future where everyone breathes clean air. We support and engage with governments and decision makers to take action on clean air. Sign up to our newsletter for upcoming resources on clean air financing.
