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A global photo campaign titled “Every Breath Has a Story” has been launched to document the human impact of air pollution through photography and personal narratives. The initiative was announced on June 2, 2026, at the Africa Clean Air Forum 2026, ahead of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on September 7, 2026.

The campaign is jointly led by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), State of Global Air (SoGA), Africa Clean Air Network (AfriCAN), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It aims to collect visual evidence of air pollution sources, health effects, environmental damage, and emerging solutions from around the world.

Global Initiative Focuses On Health And Human Experience

Organisers say air pollution remains a major global health risk. According to estimates referenced by the campaign partners, exposure to air pollution contributed to about 7.9 million deaths in 2023 worldwide, along with significant loss of healthy life years. The initiative seeks to translate such data into visual storytelling that reflects everyday realities in affected communities.

Submissions are open to both amateur and professional photographers. Organisers have encouraged entries that show pollution sources such as traffic emissions, waste burning, industrial activity, and household fuels, as well as visible health impacts including respiratory illness and reduced quality of life. Images depicting community resilience, cleaner technologies, and environmental restoration are also included in the scope.

Africa Launch Highlights Regional Clean Air Efforts

The first phase of the campaign will be showcased at the Africa Clean Air Forum 2026, with selected entries from across the continent. Additional global visibility is planned for the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on September 7, 2026. An exhibition of selected works from Africa is also scheduled to be held in Pretoria, South Africa, in July 2026.

Organisers said the initiative aims to strengthen public understanding of air pollution through citizen-generated content. They also stated that selected images will be included in global reports and outreach materials produced by CCAC and SoGA.

Submission Guidelines And Rights

Entries must be original photographs in JPG or PNG format, with a minimum resolution of 800x800 pixels. Each participant may submit up to five images. Basic editing is allowed, but AI-generated or heavily altered synthetic images are not permitted.

Selected contributors will receive credit, while organisers will retain a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use images for non-commercial awareness, education, and advocacy purposes. Submissions are open until July 10, 2026.

The organisers, including UNEP and partner institutions, said the campaign is designed to highlight both the health burden of air pollution and ongoing efforts to improve air quality through policy and community action.