COP-22: Integrating Climate and Air Quality – The Accra Megacity Partnership

Primary Sponsor: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)

Event Summary: Urban environments are where people and pollution come together, with 80% of the world’s city dwellers breathing harmful levels of air pollution. Some of this pollution is also contributing to climate change. A concerted approach is required to mitigate exposure and reduce the climate and public health impacts of this pollution. Many of the most rapidly growing urban areas in developing countries have limited data, resources and capacity, but experience significant health and climate impacts from air pollution. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency are working together under the Accra Megacity Partnership to develop an integrated air quality action plan for Accra, with a focus on short lived climate pollutants. The project will develop and apply an approach that can be modified and applied in similar African cities. This side event will highlight this Partnership, which has developed as a model for integrated climate and air quality action planning as well as intergovernmental and donor cooperation.