Clean Air Zones in Asian Cities: Lessons and Reflections

Around 7.9 million deaths were attributed to air pollution in 2023, with 70% of pollution-related deaths occurring in Asia-Pacific alone. In parts of Asia, particulate matter (PM2.5) levels frequently exceed WHO air quality guidelines. Countries in Asia lost 4-11% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 due to residents’ exposure to PM2.5. Continued fossil fuel dependence and transboundary pollution makes improving air quality in Asia a multi-faceted challenge.

Without proper planning and strategic integration, clean air initiatives can meet implementation challenges and involve time and costs for authorities, with many cities facing technical and resource constraints. However, because of the impacts of air pollution, cities often act as first responders and drivers of innovation and action, with Clean Air Zones (CAZs) and related measures representing one approach city leaders and planners can take to address the challenge.

This report with Clean Air Asia provides a comprehensive overview of CAZ measures and related approaches across Asian cities and highlights key findings for planners and leaders who are considering ways to improve air quality in their own jurisdictions. It is intended for city and national government officials, enforcement agencies, public health authorities, and finance and budgeting teams. However, it will also prove valuable to anyone interested in addressing air pollution, including civil society organisations, research institutions, development partners, and private‑sector operators.

Every city has its own specific set of circumstances and, for some, CAZs are not the right approach. The measures put in place need to be tailored to the particular characteristics of each city. As such, we have provided a variety of good practice case studies to inform planners and leaders to identify relevant approaches and learn from those that face similar challenges. We hope that the findings presented here serve as a catalyst for clean air action, so that all cities in Asia can enjoy the benefits.