Clean air is the new frontier of global cooperation

As the Group of 20 leaders gather in Cape Town, clean air features on the agenda as a standalone priority for the first time in the forum's history. The reality, however, is stark. Outdoor air pollution claims 5.7 million lives each year, and a report released last week highlights the lack of international development finance for clean air. Only $3.7bn was spent globally in 2023, representing barely 1 percent of aid, with only a fraction reaching Africa. As the minister chairing the G20's environment workstream this year, I am proud to have worked with member countries and international organisations to place air pollution firmly on the agenda.