We know that outdoor air pollution has a negative impact on our health. It also effects some people more than others; including children and elderly people.
Children’s lungs and cognitive function develop over time and, according to the World Health Organisation, poor air quality can affect this process. Young people also inhale more air per unit of bodyweight than adults and yet their bodies are less able to process any pollutants contained in the air they breathe.
This is one reason why tackling air pollution in Bristol is key to creating a healthier and fairer city for all.
Abbie Ayre and the shed of science
We’re working closely with schools and community groups to educate and include children, especially as we get closer to the launch of the Clean Air Zone on 28 November 2022.
October is also International Walk to School month, so it’s a perfect time to get talking about how travel can have an impact on our health, wellbeing, and the environment.
We’ve visited 10 primary schools that are within or close to the Clean Air Zone boundary to talk to pupils about why clean air is so important.
Actors from Performance in Education took pupils on a fun and entertaining journey to “Abbie Ayre’s shed of science”. During these interactive assemblies, Year 5 pupils learnt all about what air pollution is, where it comes from, and how they can help keep the air clean for the health of themselves and others.
We asked some of the pupils what they liked about the performance:
“We got to learn about science.” Harry
“The characters were very funny.” Nide
“It was inclusive and educational.” Leo
“We got to experience what happens when we use cars.” Esham
Pupils have now been invited to put what they learnt during the assemblies into artwork for our clean air picture competition. The winning designs will be turned into banners and posters, which will be showcased during the Clean Air Zone launch week (28 November – 2 December 2022).
