Every breath we take carries invisible risks. Air pollution remains one of the world’s deadliest environmental threats, causing over 7 million premature deaths each year and impacting the most vulnerable communities. 

This year’s Clean Air Day theme, “Racing for air: every breath matters,” is a reminder that we cannot take progress for granted. Clean air is not only vital for our health but also essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on climate action, education and sustainable cities.  

At SEI, we work at the intersection of science and policy to speed up clean air action. Our research and tools help governments, schools, businesses, and communities make informed, evidence-based decisions that reduce pollution and deliver tangible benefits. 

“We are learning what works and then scaling it to make a significant difference,” says Johan C.I. Kuylenstierna, SEI Air Quality Research Lead. “Whether it is enhancing the capacity of people in governments to plan their action, engaging with the private sector, or empowering citizens and schools, real change starts with targeted, coordinated action built on scientific insights.” 

Ahead of the 2025 International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, here are five practical strategies – grounded in SEI’s tools, research, and collaborations – that demonstrate how clean air progress can scale from homes and classrooms to cities and national policies. 

Indoor air pollution is often overlooked, yet it has a huge impact on health. Through initiatives like INGENIOUS, SEI works with communities to understand how everyday household activities shape air quality. In the UK, the SAMHE project helps schools and students track and improve classroom air, connecting education, science and health.  

• Learn more about INGENIOUS 

• Explore SAMHE school air quality findings 

Countries at all income levels show that addressing local air pollution also advances global climate goals. SEI supports regional frameworks, such as the Malé Declaration, enabling South Asian nations to cooperate on transboundary pollution. SEI also works with parliamentarians to bring science into policymaking.  

Through efforts in Kenya, Pakistan, and across South Asia, SEI demonstrates how strong local governance can reinforce – and accelerate – global climate action. 

• Listen to our podcast on intersectionality and air pollution 

• Learn more about air quality governance in Pakistan 

• Read more about the Malé Declaration renewal 

SEI’s integrated planning aligns air quality and climate goals by targeting shared emission sources. This approach helps policymakers design solutions that maximize co-benefits – improving the cost-effectiveness and political appeal while avoiding conflicts between climate and air quality agendas. By supporting over 15 countries in Africa and Latin America with short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) plans, SEI collaborates with partner countries to integrate clean air directly into their development agendas. 

Research in Thailand and ASEAN shows that measuring co-benefits makes mitigation strategies more practical and persuasive. Transparent methodologies also ensure that policies are credible, compelling and effective. In Mongolia, the government prioritised clean air to reduce health costs and pollution-related diseases. With nearly half of 3.2 million people in Ulaanbaatar, where pollution exceeds WHO guidelines by six times, it is committed to cutting emissions by 22.7%. These actions could reduce key pollutants by approximately 10%, with a focus on phasing out coal for heating. 

• Explore the SEI Initiative on Integrated Climate and Development Planning 

• Try the LEAP tool for climate and air quality planning 

• Read: Blue sky thinking – tackling air pollution to increase climate ambition 

In many parts of Africa, air pollution accelerates land degradation and reduces crop productivity, threatening food security. Through the Africa Clean Air Program (ACAP), SEI works with governments and regional bodies to develop roadmaps that protect ecosystems, improve agriculture and strengthen resilience. 

• Learn more about SEI’s Africa Clean Air Program 

• Read the ACAP Roadmap 

Businesses are a part of the problem but also part of the solution. SEI’s work with the World Economic Forum’s Alliance for Clean Air has produced a Practical Guide for Business Air Pollutant Emission Assessment, helping companies measure and cut emissions – a critical step for both clean air and decarbonization. 

• Explore SEI’s blueprint for corporate air pollution reduction 

• Learn more about the Alliance for Clean Air 

The evidence is clear: clean air improves health, climate, education and equity. SEI’s research and tools show that a future with cleaner air is achievable. By scaling up proven solutions and integrating them into policy, governments and communities can deliver the benefits of clean air to everyone.