With many nations around the world struggling to mitigate air pollution and environmental issues, air quality control policies must keep pace. Whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan or China’s 2012 law requiring 113 key cities to develop regional multi-pollutant air quality plans, energy efficiency can play a pivotal role as a low-cost air quality control measure. The International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA) invited Christopher James to present insight and recommendations on global air quality principles and policy at their November board meeting in Amsterdam. Highlighting progress, challenges, and best practices from China, India, the United States, and the European Union, Mr. James recommends that stakeholders explore the energy, economic, and environmental benefits of multi-pollutant planning, e.g. by sponsoring or collaborating on research illustrating that nations with greater energy efficiency also demonstrate cleaner air, better health, better economies, and job growth. He also emphasized the importance of engaging both policymakers and decision makers, while ensuring a governance framework that facilitates inter-disciplinary cooperation at the local, regional, and national levels.