The world faces interconnected environmental and climate challenges that require integrated responses grounded in international cooperation. It is essential to discuss climate change while also addressing air quality: air pollution is directly linked to global warming, especially in scenarios involving wildfires, urban emissions, and industrial activities. By hosting COP30 in the Amazon, Brazil has the opportunity to lead negotiations that incorporate this crucial agenda.

The advance of wildfires in Brazil has led cities such as Porto Velho and Sao Paulo to record some of the worst air quality levels in the world in 2024. Large urban populations have directly and significantly felt the economic and health impacts caused by wildfire smoke.

Increasing episodes of this kind, both domestically and abroad, reinforce the urgency of highlighting air quality in climate discussions, bringing together key actors in the global environmental agenda.

The Project

To contribute to this agenda, CEBRI and the Clean Air Fund are launching a project to strengthen the debate on air quality and the impacts of short-lived climate pollutants on the environment and public health. The initiative aims to:

• Produce and disseminate materials to expand awareness and understanding of the topic;
• Promote meetings and discussions with political leaders and experts from relevant organizations across different sectors;
• Highlight the importance of including air quality and short-lived climate pollutants in the COP30 agenda;
• Support the formulation of public policies and international commitments to reduce short-lived climate pollutants and improve air quality.

What are short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs)?

Also known as short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), these are gases that remain in the atmosphere for a shorter time than carbon dioxide (CO2) but have a high potential for warming the climate. The main SLCPs include methane (CH4), black carbon (soot), tropospheric ozone (O3), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

These pollutants are generated by factors such as wildfires, diesel transportation, intensive agriculture, and industrial processes.

Why integrate air quality into the climate agenda?

Reducing air pollution can deliver rapid and tangible benefits: improved public health, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and advances in environmental protection. Highlighting this issue at COP30 in Belem represents an opportunity for Brazil to lead a global discussion that is scientifically robust, socially just, and politically feasible.

Advancing this theme in Belem means strengthening the role of SLCPs in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), mitigation and adaptation plans, and climate finance mechanisms.

Discover all the initiatives of the project below.

Policy Papers

The Case for Action on Black Carbon

Read HERE.

The Case for Action on Tropospheric Ozone

Read HERE.

EVENTS

August 19 | Dinner Dialogue with COP30 Presidency and key embassies in Brasília

Factsheet "Opportunities for leadership on super pollutants at cop30". Read HERE

August 26 | Tackling forest fires and air pollution: Leveraging solutions on the road to COP30

This roundtable will bring together researchers, civil society leaders, and government stakeholders to highlight the importance of integrating air quality and black carbon into forest agendas in the lead-up to COP30.  Watch the full event broadcast HERE.

Factsheet "Tackling forest fires and air pollution: Leveraging solutions on the road to COP30". Read HERE