Air pollution is a critical developmental threat, posing a global environmental and health crisis. According to the State of Global Air 2024 report by the Health Effects Institute, air pollution is the second leading risk factor for early death, ahead of tobacco use and poor diet, and just behind high blood pressure. The effects of air pollution are disproportionate, with 89% (4.2 million premature deaths) living in resource-constrained, low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Air pollution is also a complex and dynamic issue as it can come from anthropogenic vs. natural sources, as well as local vs. regional sources.

Based on UNEP survey data, less than a third of the countries surveyed have successfully implemented monitoring networks or have air quality management (AQM) strategies. Significant gaps remain in the implementation of air quality monitoring programs, technical capacity, affordability, and maintenance of equipment.

Having access to air quality data is critical for awareness of air pollution levels before necessary steps can be taken to reduce air pollution exposure to protect human health. In addition, the availability of data will provide stakeholders with a scientific basis for the mitigation of air pollution, from making informed decisions on localized air pollution interventions to developing policies and regulations.

This article series, led by the UNDP Global Centre in Singapore in collaboration with the National Environment Agency (NEA), intends to explore the latest air quality monitoring solutions in technologies, innovation, and research. These solutions can help cities to collect air quality data and establish air pollution levels, especially in resource-constrained cities. We hope that the information in this article series will be useful to show the potential of such solutions for enhancing air quality management to ultimately reduce air pollution and improve human health.