A recent report from the Clean Air Fund (CAF) highlights the need for increased philanthropic support to enhance air quality [bd23ad32]. The report reveals that philanthropic foundation funding for air quality has surged to $330 million from 2015 to 2022. However, there has been a deceleration in year-on-year growth, indicating a plateau in funding. Currently, outdoor air-quality funding accounts for less than 0.1% of all foundation funding. This is concerning considering that air pollution is responsible for 8.3 million deaths annually, with 99% of the global population still breathing toxic air. The CAF is calling on foundations to shift their priorities and invest in air-quality data, as well as support efforts to understand the health costs of air pollution. The report also highlights the disparity in funding distribution, with Africa, home to 50% of countries with the highest air pollution, receiving only around 1% of total outdoor air quality funding.
The call for increased philanthropic support comes at a time when the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment is becoming increasingly evident. The CAF emphasizes the urgent need for action to address this global issue and improve air quality for all. By investing in air-quality data and research, foundations can contribute to a better understanding of the health effects of air pollution and support initiatives to mitigate its impact. This report serves as a reminder that addressing air pollution requires collective efforts and sustained financial support from various stakeholders, including philanthropic organizations.