Children across Cambridgeshire have been learning about air pollution and how it affects health as part of a programme successfully trialled in five schools.
The initiative known as ‘Clearer Skies, Healthier Lives’ was funded by a Public Health grant and combined interactive workshops, real-world data collection and the creation of a student-led educational film.
Through the project, pupils explored the link between traffic, travel choices and air quality, and practical steps they can take to reduce pollution and exposure.
They used portable air quality monitors to measure pollution levels in their local area and used real data to support their learning.
The pupils then helped to create a film that will be used as long-term resource for schools across Cambridgeshire, to share key messages about air quality and health.
It will be issued to schools, along with a fully resourced lesson pack, to support learning and raise awareness of air pollution and its impact on health.
The project builds on, and complements other initiatives across Cambridgeshire, supporting efforts to create cleaner, safer and healthier journeys to school, such as the Junior Travel Ambassador programme and Modeshift STARS.
Clearer Skies, Healthier Lives has involved a collaboration between Cambridgeshire County Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council.
Following the success of the pilot, opportunities are now being explored to expand the project to more schools across the county.
Cllr Alex Beckett, Chair of the Highways & Transport Committee, said: “This project gives young people the knowledge and confidence to understand air quality and take positive action in their everyday lives. It also supports the council’s ambition of making Cambridgeshire a greener and healthier county to live in.
“It’s a fantastic example of partnership working to support children’s health and give them the best start in life.”
Cllr Laurence Damary-Homan, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Engagement from pupils has been fantastic and really inspiring. Initiatives like this help communities better understand local air quality and how small changes can make a big difference. It’s so important to teach this to young people; the adults, leaders and decision makers of tomorrow.”
Cambridge Cllr Rosy Moore, Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Environment at Cambridge City Council: “We know that breathing in dirty polluted air has a negative impact on our long-term physical and mental health and that children are particularly vulnerable, so it's great to be working collaboratively across the councils to clean up the air that we all breathe. Understanding the facts is key to helping us all to make positive decisions about our travel choices at any age."
