Maria‑Krystyna Duval is new Executive Director for Europe at Clean Air Fund

Maria‑Krystyna Duval is the first‑ever Executive Director for Europe at Clean Air Fund, the global philanthropic organisation working to create a future where everyone breathes clean air. Maria-Krystyna will lead a new two‑year programme supporting nine Member States to implement the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), one of the most the most progressive air pollution laws in the world.

Supported by the IKEA Foundation, our new programme prioritises the EU’s most polluted regions and aims to inspire action from other countries. Together, the nine countries we’ll be supporting account for nearly three quarters of the EU’s population, nearly 70% of the region’s emissions, 72% of the EU’s GDP and nearly 57% of its pollution-related healthcare expenditure.

Before joining Clean Air Fund, Maria-Krystyna led the Carbon Technology Research Foundation, which funds research and innovation into groundbreaking nature-inspired solutions to remove carbon dioxide and methane from the atmosphere. Prior to that, she was Chief Programmes and Impact Officer at ClientEarth, leading a team of 150 lawyers globally.

Maria-Krystyna is a certified Solicitor-Advocate and economist. She spent several years advising the New Zealand Treasury on the economic impacts of climate change mitigation and adaptation. She also practised as a litigator and arbitrator focusing on international law, constitutional law and human rights. She taught law at King’s College London, and holds degrees from the Sorbonne, the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, New York University and the Graduate Institute in Geneva.

Focusing on air pollution is a smart and effective way to protect people’s health and livelihoods while combating climate change. It is a highly impactful lever that delivers results for all. I’m excited to lead Clean Air Fund’s efforts to translate the EU’s pioneering air pollution law into locally tailored measures that improve health, strengthen economies and cut climate‑warming emissions.

Maria‑Krystyna Duval, Executive Director for Europe at Clean Air Fund

I’m delighted to welcome Maria‑Krystyna to Clean Air Fund, as we support the transposition of the ambitious Ambient Air Quality Directive in Europe. Her leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we increase our grant making to help deliver the EU’s landmark air quality standards. Maria‑Krystyna’s experience and drive for creating a just and sustainable world will be a huge asset to our mission, partners and communities.

Jane Burston OBE, CEO of Clean Air Fund