Formula E and UNEP have entered into a new multi-year agreement that will further ongoing work to raise awareness of threats from air pollution and shine a spotlight on the benefits of the global transition to electric mobility.
Since 2017, the partnership has used its collective global platform to drive awareness of air pollution, access information on air quality, advocate for electric vehicle technology, inspire action and help prevent risk to human health.
The extended collaboration indicates the strength of the partnership, including Formula E's alignment in contributing towards six of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reflects what has been achieved to date. These include: activating the #BreatheLife campaign in Seasons 4 and 5 in our Allianz e-Village, fundraising and screening campaign videos in our premium hospitality areas at races, becoming ambassadors for the UNEP #BeatAirPollution campaign and positioning Formula E driver and Season 3 champion Lucas Di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) as a UNEP Clean Air Advocate.
‘This partnership between FE and UNEP is a win-win situation’ - @LucasDiGrassi, @AudiSport Abt Schaeffler Formula E driver and UN Clean Air Ambassador, on the FE and @UNEP partnership extension.#CleanAirForAll#EarthDay#ChangeAcceleratedpic.twitter.com/hCboiFN9zU
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) April 22, 2021
Driving change in city centres
Cities contribute disproportionately to global air pollution, producing 75 per cent of global emissions while housing over 55 per cent of the world's population. By bringing racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities, Formula E shines a spotlight on the inner-city spaces which stand to benefit most from reduced vehicle emissions.
It is estimated that globally, air pollution causes seven million premature deaths each year and nine out of ten people breath polluted air. It also reduces crop yields, threatens biodiversity and and exploit social inequalities. United together this Earth Day 2021 and through the #CleanAirForAll campaign Formula E and UNEP hope to inspire action to to help give more of the worlds population the clean air we all deserve.
Julia Palle, Sustainability Director for Formula E, said: "UNEP is the global authority on climate change and together we have the opportunity to accelerate sustainable human progress. We are delighted to be renewing this partnership to continue our work to drive awareness of air pollution, inspire action and help more people have access to cleaner air.
"Formula E offers an unparalleled proving ground for race-to-road electric vehicle technology and by actively promoting electric mobility we can reduce air pollution in inner-city locations and fight against climate change. It is our responsibility and privilege to use our platform to drive this change.”
Helena Molin Valdes, Head of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat said: "Formula E has been at the forefront of the innovation in electric vehicles. Companies are pushing the boundaries, testing new technology, looking for more sustainable engines and better batteries. What motor-racing did for the evolution of the combustion engine it is now doing for electric cars. It is driving the progress needed in the race for clean air and safer climate.
"Around the world people are calling for action on air pollution and the climate crisis. Governments are looking for zero-carbon and zero-emissions solutions. This is driving innovation, creating jobs, and changing industries. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the field of electric mobility.
"In the last five years we have seen a significant shift by industry toward zero emissions vehicles, we have seen growing consumer demand for electric mobility, and we have seen governments prioritize electric mobility infrastructure as part of their COVID-19 stimulus packages."