What’s Going On Here?
Global Action Plan, the Philips Foundation and the University of Manchester (UoM) reveal results from new modelling which suggests that maintaining lower air pollution levels by 20% could improve the development of a child’s working memory by 6%, the equivalent of four weeks extra learning time per year. The announcement has been made today, 8th October on National Clean Air Day.
What Does This Mean?
The findings are part of a year-long research project, the Clean Air for Schools Programme, which was launched to investigate the impact of air pollution on children’s health and learning.
The group is calling for HM Government to urgently bring together NGOs, local government, education leaders and businesses – to combine under one national effort to eliminate harmful pollutants from schools, and encourage schools to harness the free “Clean Air for Schools Framework” which was developed using the findings of the Programme.
Why Should We Care?
Improving levels of air pollution isn’t just important for the kids. Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. The World Health Organisation and the UK Government recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today.
If “health” isn’t your thing ??… remember that just last month we covered the research, that found that improving air quality in the UK could boost the economy by £1.6 billion each year!
Be Curious!
☁️ Head over to the Clean Air Day website and sign up for one of their LIVE events today
☁️ Jump onto social media today and shout about #CleanAirDay
☁️ Stick to human power today, walk, bike or cycle if you can
