CEO Jane Burston awarded OBE in New Year Honours List

Jane Burston, the founder and CEO of Clean Air Fund, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the UK’s New Years Honours List. The prestigious award recognises Jane’s outstanding work tackling air pollution in the UK and beyond.

Jane founded Clean Air Fund in 2019 to tackle a global problem that causes 8 million premature deaths annually. Under her leadership, the philanthropic initiative has raised more than $200m and supported over 400 projects around the world towards the goal of a future where everyone breathes clean air.

The award is testament to the growing recognition of clean air’s role in accelerating climate mitigation, improving health and strengthening economies. From dramatic pollution reductions in London to the G20’s historic declaration on global air quality, the clean air movement is going from strength to strength. See the recent wins for clean air that shaped 2025.

This immense honour is a tribute to the incredible progress we’ve made in putting clean air at heart of the climate and health agenda around the world. I’m constantly inspired by the collective effort and ambition of our partners, team and funders to secure healthier lives and a sustainable future.

Jane Burston, CEO of Clean Air Fund

Before setting up Clean Air Fund, Jane was responsible for the UK Government’s greenhouse gas inventory and a £45m science programme. She also led the National Physical Laboratory’s team of 150 scientists’ work on air quality, greenhouse gas measurement and renewable energy.

Jane is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Clean Air, having served as the council’s co-chair for five years. She has previously been named as a WIRED changemaker of tomorrow, a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and UK Social Entrepreneur of the year.  Read more about Jane.