, led by Dr Kerry Ryan Chance at the in Norway, has emerged as a leading voice in addressing the interconnected challenges of air pollution and climate change. Their recent participation at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) showcased their groundbreaking work and its crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr Chance, representing the project at the HLPF main forum, emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. By uniting scientists, social scientists, and humanists, the Habitable Air Project prioritises local knowledge and community engagement in its innovative solutions. This collaborative approach was further amplified by Dr Chance's participation in a "lightning talk" at HLPF’s "Science Day" alongside leading sustainability researchers.

 

Scaling Up Solutions: Measuring Community-Level Emissions

The project's commitment to community-based solutions was evident in their official side event, "Measuring and Monitoring Community-Level Emissions: Qualitative Solutions Toward SDG 1 and 13." This event featured the world premiere of the Habitable Air Project documentary and the first public presentation of their multi-country air monitoring study. Additionally, renowned air pollution experts from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, technology start-up founders, and community leaders like Sharon Lavigne (recently named one of Time Magazine’s most influential people in 2024), participated in the discussion.

 

Key Findings and Urgent Action

The Habitable Air Project’s research underscores the critical need for addressing air pollution's disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Their findings reveal a lack of publicly available data on air pollutant exposure in these areas, alongside insufficient regulatory measures to address both local and cross-border air pollution effectively. These findings highlight the urgency of achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

A conference room full of people watch a speaker from DESA presenting.
The Habitable Air Project’s research underscores the critical need for addressing air pollution's disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. University of Bergen

The project emphasises several key actions:

  • Collaboration across borders and with grassroots communities to support those most affected by air pollution and climate change.
  • Increased public access to data on air quality and its health impacts.
  • Research that starts with local knowledge and prioritises qualitative data alongside quantitative analysis.
  • Universities playing a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between policymakers, industry, academia, and communities.

Dr Chance emphasises, "The Habitable Air Project aims to put the unequal distribution of air pollution on the agenda for climate change policy at the HLPF and beyond."

 

The Role of Universities in Sustainability Solutions

The HLPF participation also highlighted the growing international recognition of universities and research as vital resources for achieving the SDGs. Dr Chance acknowledges universities have traditionally been on the sidelines of UN ministerial and policy debates, but the tides are turning. Universities grounded in local knowledge can play a transformative role in tracking, monitoring, and analysing the complex challenges faced by communities struggling with air pollution and climate change.

 

Building Bridges: Networking for Action

Men and women are seated at a table in front of a slide presentation on the Habitable Air Project.
"Measuring and Monitoring Community-Level Emissions: Qualitative Solutions Toward SDG 1 and 13." University of Bergen

Following the official side event, the Habitable Air Project hosted a networking reception titled "Building Bridges Between Policymakers, Academia, Tech-Start Ups, and Communities to Advance SDGs #1 and #13." This reception aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration between sectors that often operate in silos. By creating opportunities for policymakers, academics, technology developers, and community leaders to engage in informal conversations, the project seeks to bridge the gap between sectors and accelerate actionable solutions.

The Habitable Air Project’s impactful presence at the HLPF demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement in tackling air pollution and climate change. By advocating for increased data transparency, research informed by local knowledge, and cross-sector partnerships, the project is paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.

 

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