Our global movement against air pollution

by Kate Ford

Everyday, the air that most of us breathe is increasing our risk of strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, asthma, and so much more. This is because of air pollution that comes largely from burning fossil fuels, which also drives the climate emergency.
Alongside the release of a new study
which highlighted the global cost of air pollution from burning fossil fuels and an estimated 4.5 million deaths each year worldwide due to the same fossil fuels, people have been taking to the streets across the world to demand #CleanAirNow. Together, we are powerful.
See for yourself! Below are some images from the incredible #CleanAirNow moments that have taken place so far in 2020.
Thailand: 23 January & 28 January

Activists hold placards sending message to Thai government to tackle air pollution problem. Greenpeace Thailand together with EnLaw, EARTH, BioThai, Foundation for Consumers, Friend Zone, Mayday, Climate Strike Thailand and civil society today call on Thai government to take urgent steps to combat the PM2.5 levels in Thailand’s air. © Wason Wanichakorn / Greenpeace

Activists hold placards sending message to Thai government to tackle air pollution problem. Greenpeace Thailand together with EnLaw, EARTH, BioThai, Foundation for Consumers, Friend Zone, Mayday, Climate Strike Thailand and civil society today call on Thai government to take urgent steps to combat the PM2.5 levels in Thailand’s air. © Wason Wanichakorn / Greenpeace

Thailand Solar Fund project – which Greenpeace Thailand is a part of – aims to install solar panels on hospital rooftops, support renewable energy in the country, reduce carbon emission and phase away from fossil fuel. © Roengchai Kongmuang / Greenpeace

Romania: 31 January

Greenpeace Romania activists protest against air pollution in Bucharest in 4 critical places in the city that register some of the highest pollution rates: the energy sector, the construction sector, the waste sector (waste deposits) and traffic. © Catalin Georgescu / Greenpeace

Greenpeace Romania activists protest against air pollution in Bucharest in 4 critical places in the city that register some of the highest pollution rates: the energy sector, the construction sector, the waste sector (waste deposits) and traffic. © Catalin Georgescu / Greenpeace

Bulgaria: 7 February

Activists demand clean air, coal phase-out by 2030 and expose waste burning in coal power plants as a false alternative in front of the Bulgarian Parliament. © Ivan Donchev / Greenpeace

Activists demand clean air, coal phase-out by 2030 and expose waste burning in coal power plants as a false alternative in front of the Bulgarian Parliament. © Ivan Donchev / Greenpeace

Senegal : 11 February

Greenpeace Volunteers from Dakar (Senegal) asking for clean air now! Air pollution from fossil fuels causes around 4.5 million deaths each year. So while we pay the price of air pollution with our health, fossil fuel companies are profiting. © Greenpeace

Greenpeace Volunteers from Dakar (Senegal) asking for clean air now! Air pollution from fossil fuels causes around 4.5 million deaths each year. So while we pay the price of air pollution with our health, fossil fuel companies are profiting. © Greenpeace

Russia: 12-16 February

20 activists in Moscow planned a grand five-day action protesting to raise awareness for the need for clean air.

20 activists in Moscow have been protesting for five days demanding clean air. Now aircrafts landing and taking off 3rd runway of Sheremetyevo airport are flying above their roofs. People are suffering from noise and kerosine smell.

20 activists in Moscow have been protesting for five days demanding clean air. Now aircrafts landing and taking off 3rd runway of Sheremetyevo airport are flying above their roofs. People are suffering from noise and kerosine smell.

South Africa: 16 February & 22 February

Six Greenpeace Africa activists wearing superhero costumes leapt onto the SuperSport Park cricket field during the international T20 match between England and South Africa to hand the Proteas captain his team air pollution masks. Another team of activists dropped a banner from a floodlight in the stadium: “Toxic air is not just a game #BowlOutAirPollution”. © Shayne Robinson / Greenpeace

Durban Volunteers, creative use eco-friendly go carts at the Durban Promenade to raise awareness and the demand for Clean Air. 7 Volunteers attended and they took an opportunity to interact with community members. © Seyuran Pillay

In Johannesburg, 8 Volunteers attended a yoga session and a walk at Zoo Lake South Africa to highlight and Demand Clean.

India: 12 January & 16 February

People supporting Greenpeace India’s campaign, Clean Air Nation, which promotes clean air and a healthy future for all, gather at Chennai’s Marina beach. © Greenpeace

Greenpeace India conducted the flash mob in New Delhi at Dilli Haat on 16th Feb to create public awareness on Air pollution, its sources, health impacts and solutions.

Greenpeace India conducted the flash mob in New Delhi at Dilli Haat on 16th Feb to create public awareness on Air pollution, its sources, health impacts and solutions.

Turkey: 16 February & 23 February

Air pollution leads to 8 million early deaths every year in the world. On 16 February, activists held a bicycle action to spread their demand: “We want fresh air”.

Air pollution leads to 8 million early deaths every year in the world. On 16 February, activists held a bicycle action to spread their demand: “We want fresh air”.

Activist holds a Clean Air Now placard in the street of Istanbul, Turkey. © Greenpeace

Cameroon: 24 February

Activities were held in front of a multi-purpose stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon and a landmark in Douala, Cameroon to amplify the message that air pollution is a public health crisis and demand the authorities to act on this crisis with urgency.

Activities were held in front of a multi-purpose stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon and a landmark in Douala, Cameroon to amplify the message that air pollution is a public health crisis and demand the authorities to act on this crisis with urgency. 

Indonesia: 23 February

Some Greenpeace volunteer holds sign at the Suralaya coal power plant in Cilegon city, Banten Province, Indonesia. © Rendra Hernawan / Greenpeace

A Greenpeace volunteer holds an art picture showing a man wearing a gas mask at Pasupati bridge during an air pollution campaign, in Bandung. © Djuli Pamungkas / Greenpeace

Greenpeace volunteers hold an art picture shows the Welcome statues hold message “Clean Air Please” during an air pollution campaign in Jakarta. © Jurnasyanto Sukarno / Greenpeace

Kenya: 24-25 February

17 volunteers took to the streets in Kenya to demand their basic right to breathe clean air. 

17 volunteers took to the streets in Kenya to demand their basic right to breathe clean air. © John Kamao

17 volunteers took to the streets in Kenya to demand their basic right to breathe clean air. 

We’re calling on those responsible for the air pollution crisis to act. To stop the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and to phase out coal power stations.
Together, we’re going to end the air pollution crisis once and for all.
Sign the petition

– Air pollution is a public health emergency with too many of us breathing toxic air. We can fix this by coming together, demanding action and holding polluters accountable.
Kate Ford is a part of Communications at Greenpeace International.