Racing for cleaner air
Sustainability is deeply rooted in Formula E's DNA, as the reason we go racing. The FIA World Championship promotes electric mobility and alternative energy solutions to contribute to reducing air pollution and the fight against climate change, in partnership with the UN Environment Programme's #BeatAirPollution campaign.
READ MORE: Net Zero from Day Zero: Formula E's sustainability charge
For the coming year, UNEP is highlighting the pressing need for stronger partnerships, increased investment and shared responsibility for improving air quality. See link here to the United Nations Clean Air Guide which provides information on how you can contribute to reversing the effects of air pollution.
'The biggest threat to public health'
Urban air pollution is currently increasing by eight per cent every five years and 95 percent of cities worldwide do not meet the guidelines established by the World Health Organization.
It's earmarked as the "biggest external threat to public health" by the WHO, killing more people than smoking and is more dangerous than alcohol, with the WHO also estimating that seven million people die as a result of air pollution every year.
How Formula E is driving change
Alongside our partners, we are advocating the global adoption of clean mobility by enhancing technologies, working with cities to improve infrastructure and raise awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles - one of the most effective means of tackling urban air pollution.
Currently there are four barriers to the global uptake of electric vehicles and Formula E is stiriving to break down each:
- Perception: proving electric cars are high-performing and efficient.
- Technology: removing range anxiety and showcasing lifespan and longevity
- Infrastructure: increasing the number and speed of charging stations
- Cost: making cars cheaper in comparison to other options on the market
Formula E x UNEP
We are partnered with UNEP and have been since Season 4, on its #BeatAirPollution campaign, continuing to raise awareness around the detrimental impact of air pollution and empowering individuals, governments and private companies to take part in the fight to #BeatAirPollution.
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.
In Season 4, Brazilian Formula E driver Lucas di Grassi, was named the UN Environment Programme Clean Air Advocate, to help raise awareness of air pollution. On 14th July and in advance of the 2022 New York City E-Prix, Lucas di Grassi and Formula E were welcomed by Maher Nasser (Director, Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications) and Satwant Kaur (Communications Officer, UN Environment New York) for a guided tour around the United Nations Headquarters and a discussion regarding what is being done to combat air pollution in the city.