Examining Data-Driven Approaches for Clean Air Advocacy in a Changing Climate: a Scoping Review

Abstract

Air pollution remains a global public health and climate challenge, causing millions of premature deaths annually and disproportionately affecting marginalised communities. This scoping review examines how data-driven approaches have been used to advocate for clean air in the context of climate change, what methods exist for data mobilisation, enabling conditions, limitations, and whether there were any equity or health considerations. Recent advances in low-cost monitoring, satellite data, and digital platforms have transformed the availability and granularity of air-quality data. However, how these diverse data sources are mobilised and used to influence policy, shape public discourse, and support community action remains poorly understood. Fifty studies from 41 countries and over 100 cities were included. Five categories of data-driven approaches were identified. These included sensor-based monitoring, modelling, digital platforms and data visualisation, community-centred approaches, and lived-experience assessments. Most studies (86%, n = 43) combined multiple data approaches. Data -driven approaches were used to generate and communicate evidence, support policy engagement, identify inequities, foster collaboration and mobilise communities. This review highlights the need to embed community co-production within monitoring efforts, align funding with long-term governance systems, and standardise open data platforms to ensure that clean-air initiatives are equitable, durable, and responsive to climate and health priorities.