Dublin has become the first Irish city to sign a commitment to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guideline values by 2030.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Tom Brabazon, and the mayors/cathaoirligh of the other three other local authorities have signed up to the 'BreatheLife' campaign.

They are also calling on Dubliners to be 'Climate Brave'.

By signing up to the campaign, Dublin will be joining 76 cities, regions and countries around the globe in committing to bring air quality to safe levels by 2030 and collaborate on clean air solutions.

However organisers have warned that hitting these targets will involve "difficult and potentially unpopular" decisions.

Immediately following the signing, the four signatories of the pledge took part in an event at the Mansion House.

This was used to identify how combined resources engaged in climate change action, air quality management and health protection can bring about meaningful improvement in the quality of life for all the citizens of Dublin.

Image via @DubCityCouncil on Twitter

They believe there needs to be more allocated road space to walking, cycling and public transport; a move away from burning solid and fossil fuels to heat our homes; and make choosing the right choices simple and economically viable for everybody.

Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Eoghan O'Brien, said: "We are seeing more of the impacts of climate change on our environment and the actions that are needed to tackle this crisis require the support of the entire community.

"We have already acted in Fingal to improve air quality with programs like the School Streets initiative which has already reduced carbon emissions outside of a primary school in Malahide.

"I call on all residents in the Dublin region to be 'Climate Brave' as we implement similar programs and take the necessary decisions to reach the BreatheLife campaign targets."

An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Councillor Shay Brennan said: "Protecting the environment in our part of Dublin and mitigating our local impact on climate change has been a cornerstone of our policies in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in recent years, whether it is improving our biodiversity, moving toward eliminating pesticides use, constructing low energy usage buildings or expanding our EV fleet."

And Councillor Vicki Casserly, Mayor of South Dublin County, added: "By signing this commitment, Dublin is joining with cities and regions around the world in saying we want to be 'Climate Brave' and we want to set an example for others to follow.

"South Dublin County Council and the three other Dublin local authorities are working to meet the challenges of climate change through our climate action plans and this is an important next step."

According to the WHO, 92% of people around the world breathe air quality which falls short of the recommended guidelines.

There are some seven million deaths around the world every year from air pollution.