EU Clean Air Policy Gets a Boost from Coalition of Small Sensor Developers

Air quality in Europe is a pressing concern, with 95% of urban residents exposed to pollutant concentrations exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline levels. This has devastating consequences, including worsening chronic conditions like asthma, and contributing to serious illnesses like ischaemic heart disease and lung cancer. The coalition of five startups, including Airly from Poland, Ecomesure and Ellona from France, Kunak Technologies from Spain, and Clarity Movement Co. from the US, aims to equip public authorities with the data and tools needed to tackle local pollution patterns.

With small sensor systems, public authorities can turn information into action and make a real difference in people's lives.

The coalition, called Clean Tech for Clean Air (CT4CA), was launched in Brussels to support the implementation of the revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive. This directive sets ambitious targets for reducing air pollution, but its success relies on having accurate and actionable data. The coalition believes that small sensor systems can complement traditional fixed monitoring stations by identifying pollution hotspots and strengthening monitoring networks.

The launch of CT4CA signals a renewed focus on the critical role of data in achieving clean air in Europe. As the EU moves from clean air ambition to implementation, this coalition's efforts could pave the way for more targeted and effective policies to reduce air pollution and protect public health.