The recent air pollution crisis is a massive wake-up call, but it also gives us a clear roadmap for building stronger, more resilient cities. On July 22, our latest Liveable Cities AI and Smart Solutions for Cities Co+Lab, “Zero Smog: Lessons Learned from the Navotas Landfill Fire and Urban Fires,” brought public and private leaders together to turn research into real, system-wide action. We took a deep dive into how communities can better prepare for and respond to toxic air crises, especially from the cases of the Navotas Landfill Fire and urban fires.

The Co+Lab resulted with four main takeaways: air pollution responses have to be fully systematic; local governments must openly share air quality data across borders; clear community action triggers are essential to get both officials and households moving instantly during emergencies; and circular economy programs must be accelerated, rather than old-style landfills.

Earnest thanks to our speakers: Ms. Aleandra Rivera of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (QCDRRMD), Engr. Ethel Garcia of Clarity Movement Co., and Dr. Annelle Chua of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health - Center for Research and Innovation (ASMPH-ACRI). We would like to also acknowledge the support of our partners: Ayala Corporation, Globe, and Breathe Metro Manila.