Bericht »Breathe Cities«, 11.3.2026 (engl. Original)
The report, Breathe better: How leading cities have rapidly cut air pollution, examined air quality trends, identifying 19 leading cities that achieved sustained reductions of at least 20% in both fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over 15 years. Yet the report demonstrates that substantial progress is feasible: cities that took coordinated action achieved reductions in toxic pollutants above 20% between 2010 and 2024, with some achieving reductions of around 45%.
Nearly half of the successful cities are in Central and East Asia, demonstrating that rapid air quality improvement can occur alongside urban and economic development. The analysis identifies common patterns behind sustained improvement, with leading cities using the latest technology to map their air pollution, then transforming their streets by prioritising walking, cycling, and public transport. They are replacing old buses with electric fleets, making it easier for residents to switch to cleaner cars, and helping families move away from polluting coal and wood to heat their homes. These findings reinforce that cities are not only on the front lines of this challenge but are also uniquely positioned to deliver rapid, scalable solutions.
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