Across West Africa, communities face a silent threat lurking in the air: pollution. But without the right tools, how can people fully understand the true cost of this invisible danger? Collins Gameli Hodoli, an environmental advocate and educator from Ghana, is leading a bold initiative to change this.

Through his project, Clean Air One Atmosphere, Hodoli aims to uncover the realities of air pollution, empower communities with knowledge, and inspire a region-wide push for healthier air [1].

A Vision Rooted in Educational Empowerment

Hodoli’s journey into air quality activism began during his PhD studies in the UK, where he was struck by the stark differences in air quality monitoring between continents. While European nations have comprehensive air quality monitoring networks to track air pollution, many parts of Africa lack air quality monitoring capabilities. In West Africa, for example, meaningful, robust, and quantitative open-source basic air quality data is scarce or entirely unavailable, leaving communities unaware of the daily risks they face.

"Determined to bridge this knowledge gap, I embarked on a mission to democratize access to air quality data in Ghana and beyond," he explains. "By engaging, educating and empowering people with information on air quality, we enable them to advocate for their health and environmental well-being."

The Journey of Clean Air One Atmosphere

Clean Air One Atmosphere is driven by a clear mission: utilizing citizen science to revolutionize air quality monitoring and data communication in Africa. Simply put, they aim to equip African citizens with the right tools and knowledge necessary to map air pollution levels and understand corresponding health implications in near real time. To achieve this, Hodoli and his team have turned to an innovative, and resilient technology.

At the heart of their current work are IQAir’s AirVisual outdoor monitors, chosen for their precision, durability, ability to operate on solar power, and transmit near real time air quality data via local and/ or international subscriber identity module card—essential features for areas with limited or unreliable electricity and poor internet health.

"IQAir's AirVisual monitors are not only reliable and easy to use but also designed to meet the unique needs of our communities," Hodoli explains. "With each new sensor, we’re helping the public gain real-time insights into the air they breathe."

Pioneering Work on the Ground

To date, Clean Air One Atmosphere has established a growing network of air quality sensors across Ghana, having deployed four IQAir AirVisual stations that provide real-time air quality data to thousands of residents including the collaborative Oxygen City AQ Project, in addition to its existing networks in West Africa. Hodoli said, “The monitors help residents, including students, track daily air quality levels. This project is raising awareness about pollution and sparking discussions about local solutions.”

“We've strategically placed these sensors in densely populated areas and key locations prone to atmospheric emissions previously not monitored,” Hodoli shares. “With each new sensor, we’re making it easier for the public to understand the impact of air quality on their health.” These sensors provide near real-time data on health-damaging atmospheric pollutants, specifically PM2.5, which is one of the most harmful pollutants to human health, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, pose serious health risks, and contributes to the majority of air pollution-induced deaths globally (Cohen et al., 2017).

Clean Air One Atmosphere’s network also identifies pollution hotspots, creates a clearer picture of air quality trends, and inspires climate action.

Educational Initiatives and Community Engagement

An essential part of Hodoli’s work involves education, especially among younger generations. His team has launched environmental clubs in secondary schools across Ghana to foster environmental awareness and inspire change.

“These clubs have led to tangible outcomes, from waste segregation initiatives to the cessation of harmful practices like refuse burning,” Hodoli explains. “Students are seeing firsthand how their actions affect the environment and learning to become advocates in their own communities.”

Collaborations and Global Partnerships

Clean Air One Atmosphere’s efforts are further strengthened by collaborations with both domestic and international partners, including Columbia University and the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency. These partnerships bring additional expertise and resources, creating a wider network of support and amplifying the project’s impact.

Uniting Minds and Garnering Recognition

The impact of Clean Air One Atmosphere has not only raised awareness but also united government officials, academics, and civil society in the fight for cleaner air. Recently, the project received a recognition that highlights its innovation and tangible results by the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago, The University of Chicago, USA.

Hope for the Future

With momentum on his side, Hodoli envisions expanding the sensor network and using the data to advocate for stronger environmental policies and regulations. “We’re not just collecting data for its own sake. We aim to drive change, particularly integrating sustainability science and systems thinking into our engagement procedures to raise a generation of environmentally sound leaders” he asserts.

As Clean Air One Atmosphere expands, Hodoli envisions using this growing network of data to advocate for stronger environmental policies and inspire governments across Africa to adopt similar initiatives.

Conclusion

Hodoli’s initiative exemplifies how dedicated activism, combined with innovative technology and resilience, can bridge data gaps and empower communities. His work in West Africa shows the power of engagement, education and empowerment with domain-specific quantitative air quality data in the fight for healthier air, stressing the global imperative to tackle air pollution head-on.