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About us

A voice for health in the climate debate

About us

Instituto Ar is dedicated to protecting people’s lives in the face of climate change, striving to create a resilient and just world. The organization recognizes that climate change is not only an environmental challenge, but also a public health emergency. Every day, people fall ill and die as a result of climate change. Thus, Instituto Ar seeks to ensure that health is at the center of climate decisions.

It operates through research and innovation, political advocacy, communication, and social mobilization. It develops strategic actions with public, private, and civil society institutions.

The ultimate expected impact is a healthier, more aware society that is prepared to face the challenges of climate change, where health is a non-negotiable priority on the national and global climate agenda.

We are the voice of health in the climate debate, and the climate is the basis of the life we want to preserve.

Mission and values

Understand more about our purpose and what principles guide Instituto Ar.

Mission

We defend health as a central theme in climate issues based on producing knowledge, communication, and action in public policies from the perspective of sustainable and fair development.

Values

Sense of urgency

Don’t postpone saving lives. Act today

Boldness

On bringing health to the center of environmental policy discussions

Collaboration

Building bridges and reducing barriers

Commitment

Integrity, ethics, and responsibility promote better choices

Excellence

Professionalism, technical rigor, independence, and transparency in the production of knowledge and performance

History

Instituto Ar connects health to the climate debate and contributes to strengthening actions to combat atmospheric emissions. It aims to improve environmental conditions related to air quality, ensuring better health for the Brazilian population, especially for at-risk and vulnerable groups. Since 2008, it has been dedicated to producing and disseminating science-based knowledge, supporting decision-makers, and fostering citizen empowerment in addressing climate challenges.

The unique integration of health, climate, and air pollution is the distinctive hallmark of Instituto Ar. This characteristic, combined with the ability to promote cross-sector collaborations toward a common goal, is our greatest strength.
Through the organization and clear translation of scientific knowledge into information accessible to society, we mobilize citizens, governments, and institutions to strengthen health rights and build public policies.
As a result, Instituto Ar has become a reference for quality information on the impacts of climate on human health and the development of solutions for air quality improvement policies. We recognize the preservation of life and the environment as fundamental elements of human rights.
2023

Rebranding and official name change to Instituto Ar.

Participation in Senate debate on the National Air Quality Policy.

Launch of the Clean Air and Climate Justice Declaration with the Latin American Clean Air Coalition (ALAire).

First 'Air Monitoring in the Amazon' meeting held in Brasília with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

2022

Participation as amicus curiae in Brazil’s Supreme Court trial on air quality standards.

Impact result: Brazil must update national air quality standards within two years based on WHO guidelines.

Impact result: National Air Quality Policy approved in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies.

Participation in COP27 and co-organization of event at Brazil Climate Action Hub.

Impact result: São Paulo mandates new buses to be electric.

2021

Publication of the article “Analysis of Air Quality Monitoring in Brazil” in Revista de Estudos Avançados.

Report published on air quality monitoring in Acre using low-cost equipment.

Launch of 'Doctors for Clean Air' initiative.

Impact result: São Paulo State updates its air quality standards.

Participation in Urban95 Convening hosted by Bernard van Leer Foundation on early childhood and air quality.

2020

Participation in the Federal Public Ministry’s Air Quality Task Force.

Meeting with Minister Cármen Lúcia on ADI 6148, defending stricter air quality standards.

Launch of the 'Invisible Enemy' campaign with Coalizão Respirar against delays in the Air Pollution Control Program (Proconve).

'We Want to Breathe in the New Now' manifesto released with Coalizão Respirar.

Launch of Sustainable Mobility in the São Paulo Elections campaign.

2019

Article “Health: In Light of the Mariana Tragedy” published in Diálogos Socioambientais.

National air quality monitoring report released with the Federal Public Ministry.

Study on Proconve phase P-8 implementation impacts published, supported by Instituto Clima e Sociedade.

Study on public health impacts of natural gas use in public transportation published.

Participation in public hearing on Resolution 491/2018 with the Attorney General’s Office.

Impact result: Supreme Court filing (ADI) by PGR to update national air quality standards.

2018

Manifesto launched advocating for improved air quality standards in collaboration with civil society.

Study published with air pollution data from the truck drivers’ strike.

Publication of an article on the public health impacts of biodiesel implementation in transportation in the AAQR journal.

Article published on health of residents affected by the Samarco disaster in Barra Longa/MG, in Ambiente e Sociedade journal.

2017

Study published on health impacts of energy transition in São Paulo’s bus fleet with Greenpeace.

“Health Is: Colorful Health” project in public schools of São Paulo, reaching 5,000 children through arts and education.

Health-focused review of São Paulo's air quality report (CETESB).

2016

First Health Turnaround held in Florianópolis.

Second Health Turnaround in São Paulo.

Evangelina Araújo named one of the 100 Most Influential in Health.

Instituto Ar selected by Greenpeace to conduct first health study related to the Mariana Disaster.

2015

First Health Turnaround event held in São Paulo, the city's largest health event.

Study published on public health impacts from biodiesel use in transport energy matrix.

Publication of article on air pollution in São Paulo in the Brazilian Journal of Population Studies.

Publication of article on public health impacts of biodiesel implementation in transport in the AAQR journal.

2014

Evangelina Araújo honored by the São Paulo Medical Association on International Women’s Day for her significant contributions to health and the environment.

Technical cooperation signed with the Federal Public Ministry.

Launch of the first national Air Quality Monitoring Assessment in Brazil.

Release of a health impact projection study on air pollution in São Paulo.

Study published on the effects of air pollution on the population of Rio de Janeiro.

2013

Publication of the first study assessing the impact of air pollution on the health of São Paulo’s population.

Co-organization of the Mobility Turnaround event.

2012

Paulo Saldiva and Evangelina Araújo co-authored the chapter on Health and Environment in the book Mundo Sustentável 2, by journalist André Trigueiro.

Engagement action 'Ativa Sampa' carried out at ONG Brasil in partnership with the Latin American Initiative for Active Transport (ILATS).

2011
Publication of the book “Environment and Health: the Challenge of Metropolises”.
2008
Instituto Ar was created and established as the Health and Sustainability Institute, in São Paulo (renamed Instituto Ar in 2023).