Interactive Air Pollution Visualization Tool to help São Paulo Pinpoint Hotspots and Enforce Air Quality Standards

MEDIA ADVISORY

(SÃO PAULO – September 11, 2025) – The Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) announced this morning the official expansion of the air pollution visualization tool, Air Tracker, to the state of São Paulo. The launch occurred at an event at CETESB headquarters in the city of São Paulo and was made possible through the support of the Clean Air Fund. It represents an important step forward in strengthening air quality management in Brazil’s largest state.

Air Tracker is an advanced digital tool that uses weather modeling and air quality monitoring data to identify the sources of air pollution at neighborhood scale. The system enables environmental authorities, researchers and communities to pinpoint pollution hotspots, strengthen enforcement efforts and improve public awareness of the link between sources of pollution and their impacts on health, climate and quality of life. Learn more about Air Tracker in this short explainer video.

“São Paulo has long been a leader in environmental protection and air quality monitoring,” said Sergio Sánchez, EDF's Senior Policy Director for Global Clean Air. “With Air Tracker, we are entering a new phase—one that connects science, technology, and policy to help protect health and the environment while raising awareness of the sources of pollution that affect millions of people.”

The launch event will feature presentations from CETESB’s leadership and technical team, as well as Sánchez and Tammy Thompson, Senior Air Quality Scientist. EDF will highlight its global efforts to improve air quality, the importance of cooperation with CETESB and other key partners and the potential for Air Tracker to support a new generation of clean air solutions in Brazil and beyond.

“We have been working with communities and regulators in cities throughout the U.S. for years and are so excited to further expand our tool in Brazil with CETESB, incorporating their extensive monitoring network and air quality dataset to improve understanding of local pollution sources and patterns,” added Thompson.

The event will close with an open discussion, providing participants with the opportunity to learn more about the tool and its applications in São Paulo and beyond.

“Today we witnessed numerous opportunities, and this tool—which indicates pollution sources—will be invaluable. The ability to transform data into information and information into actionable insights is exactly what we need. This tool aligns with our aspirations,” observed Maria Helena of CETESB on Air Tracker’s role.

Air Tracker provides both real-time and historical data, allowing users to look back to January 2024 to understand long-term trends or the impact of specific polluting events such as wildfires, intentional burning or industrial accidents. Its unified data view provides metrics for informed decision-making, while its capabilities allow for quick responses to pollution spikes. Air Tracker answers the question: Where did this pollution come from?

Today’s launch in São Paulo expands Air Tracker’s presence in Brazil, following the launch of the tool in Rio de Janeiro in November of 2024.

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About Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

Environmental Defense Fund is a leading international nonprofit organization dedicated to creating transformative solutions to the most serious environmental problems. With a multidisciplinary team of scientists, economists, and policy experts, EDF works worldwide to improve air quality, tackle climate change, protect ecosystems, and promote human health.

About CETESB

The Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) is the state’s environmental agency, responsible for environmental licensing, pollution control, and monitoring of air, water, and soil quality. Established in 1968, CETESB is recognized as one of the most advanced and respected environmental institutions in Latin America.

About Clean Air Fund

The Clean Air Fund is a philanthropic organization working globally with governments, businesses, and civil society to deliver clean air for all. Through funding, partnerships, and advocacy, the Clean Air Fund supports projects that improve public health, mitigate climate change, and build equitable and sustainable communities.