UN Environment Programme – Global Environment Monitoring System for Air (GEMS Air)
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is leading the deployment of affordable air quality monitoring networks for assessing air pollution in cities and proactively assessing the viability of fusing satellite and ground observations in developing countries where data gaps for air quality has persisted for decades. Interest and request for technical support has been expressed by more than 50 countries and air quality focal points within local governments established with UNEP to engage in efforts.
The GEMS Air unit housed in the Science Division of UNEP, together with a network of partners, aims to enhance capacity in selected countries to monitor and assess trends and patterns of urban air quality using low-cost sensors, to support the development of evidence-based air quality management policies and to support the actions for mitigating air pollution.
Our Vision:
GEMS Air catalyzes scalable innovation using science and technology know-how, to enable developing country governments to drive transformation that improve the air their citizens breathe.
We deploy low cost sensors to fill data gaps in places that lack traditional air quality monitoring. These sensors provide data that inform decisions and policies to reduce air pollution. Low cost sensors are cost effective, user friendly with low power consumption. They efficiently operate in areas off-grid areas using solar power.
Solar powered low-cost sensors in Uganda
The Portal
description of what the portal is supposed to bring about