The Global Open Air Quality Standards initiative is proud to announce its official endorsement of the Open Letter, “A message from the air quality community: We value owning our air quality data and freely sharing.” This significant step underscores our commitment to fostering transparency and accessibility in air quality monitoring, and our dedication to ensuring equitable clean air for all.

In recent years, the deployment of affordable air quality monitors has revolutionized our understanding of localized air pollution. This surge in data collection empowers communities, researchers, and advocates to identify and address air quality challenges with unprecedented precision. However, the true potential of this data lies in its open and unrestricted sharing.   

The Open Letter champions the principle that those who generate air quality data should retain ownership and control over it. This ensures that valuable information can be shared freely, maximizing its social impact and driving informed action towards cleaner air.

Specifically, the letter advocates for:

• Data Ownership: Granting purchasers of air quality sensing equipment full ownership of the data they generate.
• Freedom to Share: Legally empowering purchasers to share their data publicly on platforms of their choice.
• Funders’ Commitment: Encouraging funders to prioritize supporting projects that utilize “open-ready” equipment and promote open data sharing.
• Governmental Consideration: Urging national and local governments to incorporate “open-ready” specifications into their procurement processes.

The Global Open Air Quality Standards initiative aligns with these principles and believes that open data is crucial for advancing our mission of achieving clean air worldwide. We firmly believe that all individuals, regardless of their location, deserve to breathe clean air. Our members support the principle that people from all around the world should be subject to the same strict standards when it comes to air quality. Humans all over the world have the same needs for clean air, and air quality data ensures that communities are breathing clean air. We are dedicated to supporting and promoting the use of air quality sensing equipment that empowers individuals and communities to take ownership of their data.   

We join a growing coalition of air quality experts, advocates, and funders who are committed to preserving the integrity and accessibility of air quality data. By prioritizing “open-ready” technologies, we can collectively shape an ecosystem that serves the public good and accelerates progress towards a healthier future.

Join the Movement!

We encourage all organizations and individuals who share our commitment to open air quality data to sign the Open Letter. To add your signature, please make a submission here. Your support will be added to the signature list promptly.

About the Global Open Air Quality Standards initiative:

The Global Open Air Quality Standards initiative is a collective of individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting and achieving universal, stringent air quality standards. We believe that clean air is a fundamental human right, and that everyone, regardless of geographical location, should be subject to the same high standards. We advocate for open access to air quality data, empowering communities worldwide to monitor and improve their air quality.