The Foreign Service Journal, October 2021

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2021 45 Actionable Data “It’s been incredible to see how important that actionable data is. It helps equip our officers, families and partners with information that helps them protect their health,” Ambassador Wells said in a 2020 GDI interview. While the primary purpose of DOSAir is to provide air quality information to our people overseas, the monitors are also effec- tive tools for addressing air pollution broadly, including engag- ing with host governments and civil society. Posts use the data to educate the public on the effects of air pollution and build demand for cleaner air. The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs uses the monitors in its air quality programming, which aims to increase local capacity to manage air quality and address air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. GDI also received support and input into app development from the Air Quality Fellows program. The program, managed by GDI, enables U.S. air quality experts, paired with embassies and consulates, to volunteer their time to facilitate research, engage with host countries and support embassies in managing air quality concerns. The fellows also provide a platform to dem- onstrate American solutions to air quality challenges to other countries. “The Department of State continues to look for these oppor- tunities to meet multiple needs with one program,” said Janice deGarmo, director of the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions. “By providing our personnel and their families with reliable data, we are able to respond to their needs. By making the data public, we are showcasing American solutions while also supporting countries in understanding the scope of the problem and how they can fix it over the long term.” GDI will continue to develop additional features over the next year, and will incorporate additional non-U.S. government monitors, low-cost sensor data and forecasting capability from NASA in future iterations. Download ZephAir today, and visit state.gov/eco-diplomacy to learn more. n Posts use the data to educate the public on the effects of air pollution and build demand for cleaner air.