COJ calls for clean air with Pause and Breathe movement

Air pollution is a reality for many cities around the world, and Johannesburg is no exception. While urban living comes with countless benefits, it also brings environmental challenges, and air quality is one of them.

According to a 2024 report by the City of Joburg, air pollution remains a persistent concern, especially in winter months, when cooler temperatures and weather patterns can cause visible haze in the mornings and evenings.

In Johannesburg, key contributors to air pollution include power stations, mine tailings dumps, domestic waste burning, and industrial activity, factors common to many growing urban centres globally.

In an effort to improve air quality for everyone in Johannesburg, the city has collaborated with Breathe Cities, an international organisation that supports air quality action in cities. It has launched the Pause and Breathe movement. 

'#PauseAndBreathe is a collective moment of reflection, education and action to reaffirm our commitment to clean air for all of Joburg,' states COJ on its Facebook page. 

The city will host the Pause and Breathe event on Saturday, 28 June, at noon. It encourages everyone in Johannesburg to participate:

- Take a moment wherever you are to pause and breathe.

- Take a picture of your moment, whether it's with family or friends, at home or enjoying Joburg's open spaces and great outdoors.

- Post the picture on social media with the hashtags #PauseAndBreathe #CleanAirJozi with your reflections on the importance of clean air.

The city will also host a “Hike for the Environment" event at Kloofendfal Nature Reserve where attendees will participate in a ‘PauseAndBreathe’ moment. Read more about it here.