Principality joins BreatheLife network

©Direction de la Communication / Stéphane Danna

To mark World Environment Day, which is this year devoted to the theme of air pollution, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development Marie-Pierre Gramaglia and Minister of Health and Social Affairs Didier Gamerdinger jointly signed a letter on behalf of the Prince’s Government committing Monaco to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s BreatheLife network.

In October 2018, H.S.H. Prince Albert II announced that the Principality of Monaco would be getting involved in the BreatheLife campaign, led by WHO, UN Environment and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. The aim of the initiative is to mobilise all stakeholders in order to reduce the impact of air pollution on our health.

In joining the BreatheLife network, Monaco is committing to improving air quality by achieving the targets set by WHO by 2030. It will do this through promoting the use of clean vehicles, reducing emissions from heating and air conditioning in buildings, limiting the amount of waste that is incinerated and favouring alternative energy sources such as ocean thermal energy.

Marie-Pierre Gramaglia said: “There is clear convergence between the actions being taken on transport, waste and energy as part of the Energy Transition, and the health objectives of the campaign against air pollution.”

“We are no longer at the point of wondering whether atmospheric pollution has an impact on health; we now need to take decisive action to achieve healthier air. Everyone must play their part.” precised Didier Gamerdinger.