LIFE CityTRAQ final conference inspires
The central message? Better air quality starts with better data, and especially with what you do with it.
Tackling air quality with data
Air pollution remains one of the biggest health risks in Europe. Yet, it is not easy for cities to implement targeted policies. Data is often fragmented, incomplete, or difficult to apply in concrete decisions.
That is precisely what LIFE CityTRAQ focused on. By combining traffic counts and air quality measurements, the project developed tools and methods that help local authorities to:
- map air pollution better
- identify hotspots
- simulate the impact of measures
- and ultimately implement more well-founded policies
During the closing conference, it became clear how this approach works in practice and what insights it yields for other cities.
From insights to policy
During the plenary sessions, the focus was on how data actually leads to better policy. Themes such as digital tools, sensor technology, and European air quality standards were discussed in detail.
The tools developed within CityTRAQ, the screening and scenario tools, make it easier for local authorities to:
- quickly detect poor air quality
- test measures before they are implemented
- and make choices more transparent for citizens
In this way, data becomes not only an analytical tool but also a lever for action.
Learning from each other during breakout sessions
In the afternoon, participants delved deeper into specific themes in smaller groups. These sessions provided space for interaction, practical experience, and concrete solutions.
Topics covered included:
- air quality measurements and sensor quality
- mobility data and policy choices
- citizen participation and citizen science
- air quality action plans
- replication of successful approaches in other cities
The common thread running through all sessions: collaboration and knowledge sharing accelerate impact. By sharing experiences, cities do not have to reinvent the wheel every time.
Building on the results
The closing conference marks the end of the project, but not the end of the story. The insights, tools, and collaborations form a solid foundation for the future
The presentations and summaries of the breakout sessions are available via the project website and offer additional inspiration for those who want to get started with data-driven air quality policy themselves.
European cooperation with local impact
LIFE CityTRAQ brought together partners from various countries with one common goal: better air quality in cities. The conference demonstrated how local pilot projects can develop into solutions applicable elsewhere in Europe.
In this way, the knowledge gained is actively shared and translated to other contexts. Replication and scaling up were therefore key themes during the conference.
The result is a growing network of cities and organizations that reinforce each other in their air quality policies.