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C40 Cities supports Sarajevo to tackle air pollution
Global programme, adopted in 50 cities, supports mayors to implement policies that rapidly reduce air pollution while improving public health and resilience.
At a glance
Who: C40 Cities; mayor of London; mayor of Sarajevo; prime minister of Sarajevo Canton.
What: Co-chair of C40 Cities, Sadiq Khan, has met with the Sarajevo mayor and prime minister of Sarajevo Canton to discuss the shared challenge of air pollution.
Why: In Sarajevo, pollution levels frequently rise to dangerous levels during the winter months, driven by factors including domestic heating, traffic emissions and the city’s geographical setting.
Where: Sarajevo and Sarajevo Canto, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The mayor of London and co-chair of C40 Cities, Sadiq Khan, has met with the mayor of Sarajevo and the prime minister of Sarajevo Canton to discuss the shared challenge of air pollution.
The leaders discussed how cities can work together to accelerate action to improve air quality, protect public health and save lives.
Air quality levels
Bosnia has the fifth-highest mortality rate from air pollution globally and is consistently ranked among the countries with the worst air quality in the world. About 3,300 people are estimated to die early each year from particle pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In Sarajevo, pollution levels frequently rise to dangerous levels during the winter months, driven by factors including domestic heating, traffic emissions and the city’s geographical setting. Poor air quality increases the risk of heart and lung disease, stroke, respiratory illness and premature death, while also placing pressure on health services and reducing the quality of life for residents.
Throughout the winter, Sarajevo’s population is regularly told to avoid outdoor exposure and remain indoors with minimal ventilation. Flights are also often cancelled or diverted, causing significant economic and personal ramifications for the city.
“Clean air is something that unites us all. No matter where we live or our background, everyone deserves the right to breathe safe, clean air,” said Khan. “It was a pleasure to meet with the mayor of Sarajevo and the prime minister of Sarajevo Canton to discuss the challenges our cities face from toxic air and how collaboration between cities can help deliver solutions. Through the C40 network, cities can learn from one another, share best practice and access practical support to accelerate action.”
“Toxic air pollution does not recognise administrative boundaries, which is why cooperation between neighbouring cities and international partners is so important”
The meeting provided an opportunity for London and Sarajevo to exchange expertise and explore how international collaboration can support faster progress in tackling one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges.
As co-chair of C40 Cities, Khan offered the support available through the C40 Cities network, including the opportunity for Sarajevo to engage with the C40 air quality programme.
This is the first time Sarajevo will have access to the kind of dedicated international technical assistance and peer support available through the C40 network. Participation in C40’s air quality programme would provide the city with tailored expertise to help identify the most effective interventions and accelerate progress towards cleaner air.
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Prime minister of Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, said: “Toxic air pollution does not recognise administrative boundaries, which is why cooperation between neighbouring cities and international partners is so important. Today’s meeting demonstrates our shared commitment to finding practical solutions, exchanging knowledge and working together to create a healthier environment for everyone who lives and works in our region.”
Mayor of Sarajevo, Samir Avdić, added: “The air pollution crisis in Sarajevo is one of the most significant challenges to public health and the quality of life of its residents.
“During certain periods of the year, air pollution levels exceed recommended international health guidelines, highlighting the need for continuous measures to improve air quality. By strengthening cooperation with London and the C40 Cities network, Sarajevo can exchange experience and best practices in reducing transport-related emissions, improving air quality in urban areas, and creating cleaner, healthier and more sustainable communities for all citizens.”
“The air pollution crisis in Sarajevo is one of the most significant challenges to public health and the quality of life of its residents”
The C40 Cities programme helps cities accelerate action on air pollution through access to world-leading technical expertise, peer-to-peer learning, air quality modelling tools, training and international best practice. Participation would enable Sarajevo to draw on the experience of cities around the world that have successfully reduced emissions while improving public health and quality of life.
“We’re pleased to be connecting with Sarajevo for the first time as the city steps up its efforts to tackle air pollution,” said executive director of C40 Cities, Mark Watts. “Through the C40 air quality programme, Sarajevo would be able to access world-leading expertise and the experience of cities that are already delivering cleaner air for their residents. We look forward to connecting with Sarajevo to accelerate progress towards safe air and a healthier, more resilient future.”
Clean Air Accelerator
Launched by C40 Cities to help cities move faster on clean air, the Clean Air Accelerator supports mayors to implement policies that rapidly reduce air pollution while improving public health and climate resilience. The accelerator has now been adopted by 51 cities worldwide.
Collectively, commitments made through the accelerator are projected to save 450,000 lives and generate $844bn in economic benefits by 2040. Cities are also increasingly integrating clean air policies with broader goals around equity, sustainable transport, energy affordability and public health.
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How can C40's air quality programme reduce Sarajevo's winter particle pollution?Which interventions most rapidly lower domestic-heating emissions in cold urban basins?What air quality modelling tools best prioritize transport-related emission reductions?How can peer-to-peer city collaborations accelerate policy implementation and measurable outcomes?What metrics quantify health and economic benefits from Clean Air Accelerator commitments?air qualityclimate actionClimate change/ResilienceEnergy & EnvironmentGovernance and CitizenresilienceSarajevo
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