Protecting Our Children's Health From Air Pollution
In 2013 Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who lived near the South Circular Road in Lewisham, southeast London, died from a fatal asthma attack. A 2020 inquest at Southwark Coroner's Court found that air pollution "made a material contribution" to Ella's death.
Some readers may find this a hard-hitting opening statement, but we make no apologies. Each year air pollution is a contributory factor in over 36,000 deaths in the UK alone. The UK Government and The World Health Organisation have recognised air pollution is currently the most significant environmental health risk, linked to fatal diseases in adults and children, and may contribute to mental health issues.
What is Clean Air Day?
Global Action Plan is a charity working towards a green and thriving planet to help us live more sustainable lifestyles by reducing our impact on the Earth's natural resources. Led by Global Action Plan - Clean Air Day, the UK's most extensive air pollution campaign will engage thousands of people at events across the country. Schools will play a crucial part with pupils throughout the UK, helping to carry the message to parents and guardians. This year Clean Air Day takes place on Thursday, 17 June 2021.
The key aims of the event are to improve public understanding of air pollution, build awareness of how it affects our health and explain easy actions we can all take to help tackle air pollution.
Across the UK, schools, community groups, environmental charities, and government agencies will bring together their expertise to help us reduce our environmental impact and reduce air pollution. One such organisation is Beat The Street, which has helped turn our towns into giant games where kids can earn points and win prizes while learning more about their environment.
Wherever you live throughout the UK, why not use Clean Air Day to reduce your family’s impact on the environment.
Calculate Your Impact on Air Pollution
In collaboration with Imperial College London, Global Action Plan has produced an Air Pollution Calculator. Why not find out how much you are contributing as an individual to air pollution in the UK?
Cogeo - A company with environmental improvement as its core value
It is no coincidence that 2021 has seen Cogeo launch a new service - Air Quality Impact Assessment. Air quality is increasing in importance for new developments, and planning applications must guarantee that they meet strict air quality standards in the UK.
With over 500 air quality management zones in the UK, developments need to be sensitive to their impact on emissions and increased traffic. However, this is far from being just an urban issue, with rural developments also acting as potential sources of emissions. Agricultural processes such as pig and poultry farming and commercial energy processes from Biomass, Combined Heat & Power (CHP) units and anaerobic digesters can potentially contribute to emissions.
Helping your business to ensure better air quality for our children's future
You can avoid issues with planning applications by acting early to comply with air quality standards. We look at the baseline conditions and potential mitigation early in a project, ensuring compliance with Local Authority standards.
Take action now to help the next generation breathe better air and stop more deaths like Ella from happening in the future. Happy Clean Air Day from all at Cogeo. #CleanAirDay
For more information on our air quality services and approach click here
To discuss your project, call 0141 212 1322 or email enquiries@cogeo.co.uk
