A Global Partnership for Accelerating Clean Air Solutions

About Us

Clean Air Catalyst is a flagship program launched by the U.S. Agency for International Development and a global partnership of organizations led by World Resources Institute and Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. We are focused on building capacity for locally tailored solutions that curb air pollution, tackle climate change and improve human health.

Read More About Where We Work
and Our Approach to Clean Air

Partners

Our partnership brings together expertise in air quality science and solutions, public health, open data, governance, communication and stakeholder engagement. Our teams work in collaboration with local and regional partners to identify and raise awareness of local pollution sources. We aim to build focused coalitions that can deliver sustainable and equitable interventions leading to sustained progress on cleaner, healthier air.

Manages program and overall budget of up to $20 million

Leads operations and anchors city pilots


Co-leads overall coordination, planning and implementation


Conducts source apportionment studies, air quality measurements and atmospheric modeling

Supports integrated climate and air quality planning

Evaluates public understanding of air pollution and trains local journalists about air quality science

Supports research and capacity-building for the source attribution system

Builds data sharing and storage platform

Mainstreams air quality into ongoing public health efforts


  • “Solving [the air pollution] crisis will require global leadership and global action. We need cooperation and partnerships at all levels.” 

    Karl Fickenscher, Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Development, Democracy and Innovation, USAID

  • “The perfect example of a win-win: reduce pollution from the atmosphere, reduce climate change and increase public health."

    Gillian Caldwell, Climate Change Coordinator and Deputy Assistant Administrator, USAID

  • “This is a matter of public health, of equity and of environmental justice.”

    Bob Menendez, Senator of New Jersey &
    Chair, Foreign Relations Committee

  • “Through participatory collaboration at all levels, I believe we can improve air quality and make Jakarta a healthier and more livable city for all citizens.”

    Anies Baswedan, Governor of Jakarta

Global Leadership Team

 
Featured
Steven Bland
Steven Bland

Chief of Party, Clean Air Catalyst

Jessica Lewis
Jessica Lewis

Senior Air Quality and Health Advisor, USAID

Michael Doust
Michael Doust

Director, Urban Efficiency & Climate, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities

Sarah Vogel
Sarah Vogel

Senior Vice President, Health, Environmental Defense Fund

Katherine Swanson
Katherine Swanson

Environment Officer, USAID

Watch Our Official Launch Event

Hundreds of people from around the world attended a virtual conversation on clean air, health and climate solutions with United States Senator Bob Menendez and USAID’s Karl Fickenscher, as well as representatives from the first pilot cities.