News 18 February 2025
A new guide draws on decades of global experience to show how more cities could effectively tackle air pollution through Clean Air Zones.
Clean Air Zones: Practical guidance for cities, compiled by independent researchers and planning experts at Arup on behalf of the Clean Air Fund, highlights the need for urgent action by local leaders. By 2050, seven out of ten people will be living in cities and breathing air that is dangerous to their health.
Aimed at city leaders, mayors and officials, the report provides practical guidance on how to design effective measures to protect residents and reap the social, economic and health benefits of clean air. For cities seeking to address vehicle emissions, Clean Air Zones have proven benefits for residents ranging from improved air quality to increased workforce productivity.
The report sets out how Clean Air Zones should be tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of each city. Alternative or complementary measures might include upgrading public transport, or tackling emissions from domestic heating and cooking.
The guidance poses key questions to answer for cities around the world at any stage on their pathway to clean air. It reflects expert review of best practices, an in-depth literature review, and insights from interviews, workshops and roundtables from cities from the Global South and North.
The report shares experiences and challenges in tackling air pollution from a diverse range of global cities – from Krakow to Jakarta.
Air pollution affects us all, but cities and their residents have been on the frontline for decades. There is much we can learn from their efforts to tackle dangerous levels of air pollution.
This guidance reflects that there might not be a one-size-fits all approach to clean air but that there is a wealth of global evidence and experience that can help communities decide on the right solution for them.
Whether it’s a Clean Air Zone or set of complementary measures, effective action against air pollution is possible. We all deserve access to clean air and our cities are leading the way in unlocking the benefits.
Jane Burston, CEO at Clean Air Fund
Clean Air Zones have the potential to deliver air quality and health benefits in cities. They can support sustainable urban development. They can be an effective part of urban transport or environment programmes.
This comprehensive guidance provides practical advice for cities on how to plan, design, implement and monitor Clean Air Zones. It looks at political and community engagement and communication. It sets out how to effectively deliver public health benefits and protect the most vulnerable. Wider impacts are also considered. The guidance reflects the different challenges and opportunities faced by cities around the world – setting out options that can be tailored by the cities to meet local needs.
Sarah Legge, Associate Director at Arup
