The Global Environment Monitoring System for Air (GEMS/Air) catalyzes scalable innovation using science and technology know-how.
GEMS/Air has developed an adaptive strategy that aims at empowering governments and other stakeholders to make evidence-based decisions through increased access and use of air quality data.
In partnership with IQAir, UNEP hosts the world's largest databank for fine particulate matter PM 2.5. i.e. particulate matter with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller in size. This database is an example of the potential of crowdsourcing air pollution data. It provides an interactive map that shows real-time estimates for PM2.5 from thousands of governments, researchers, and citizen contributors. This online tool uses this data to estimate local air pollution and age disaggregated exposure to air pollution in each country.
