Community Action For Cleaner Air

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, 9 out of 10 people globally breathe unhealthy air, which leads to approximately 7 million deaths annually. While the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions have improved air quality in many places, it is crucial to address this issue beyond the pandemic. Communities, particularly those that are low-income or of color, are demanding environmental justice and action to reduce air pollution and protect vulnerable groups. This involves collective efforts to cut emissions, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and promote sustainable practices. This paragraph will discuss how individuals, organizations, and communities can work together to tackle air pollution and improve the health and well-being of those affected.

Reduce emissions by cutting down on burning fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas

Reducing emissions by cutting down on the burning of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas is crucial for improving air quality in communities. Here are some detailed and direct actions that can be taken to achieve this goal:

Advocate for Policy Changes

Beyond individual actions, systemic changes are needed to significantly reduce emissions. Get involved in grassroots efforts and join protests against fossil fuel companies in your area. Contact your local, state, and federal representatives to demand an end to new fossil fuel projects and subsidies. Urge them to invest in and promote renewable energy sources and climate action.

Switch to Renewable Energy Sources

If possible, switch to a renewable power plan offered by your electric utility provider. While your home may not be directly powered by clean energy, these plans increase the overall percentage of clean energy generation on the electricity grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, consider installing solar panels if you own your home and live in an area with sufficient sunlight.

Improve Energy Efficiency at Home

Homes produce a significant amount of emissions, so making your home more energy-efficient is crucial. Invest in energy-efficient appliances, heating, and cooling systems. Seal leaky doors and windows, and consider installing insulation. Avoid using gas fireplaces or shut off the gas supply to reduce indoor and outdoor pollution.

Reconsider Transportation Choices

Reconsider your transportation choices and opt for more environmentally friendly modes of travel. Promote the use of public transport, carpooling, or active transportation, such as walking or biking, whenever possible. If feasible, switch to an electric vehicle or choose more fuel-efficient options for your next car purchase.

Educate and Build Awareness

Educate yourself and others about the importance of breathing clean air and the risks associated with air pollution. Spread awareness about the measures that individuals and communities can take to reduce emissions and improve air quality. This can be done through community organizations or environmental groups, or by sharing information from reliable sources with your friends, family, and community members.

Taking these actions will help reduce emissions by cutting down on the burning of fossil fuels, leading to improved air quality and a healthier environment for your community.

Create green spaces with trees and plants to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen

Trees and plants are essential components of natural green spaces, which have been shown to calm the mind and promote positive mental health. They play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby regulating the ambient temperature and contributing to overall air purification.

Trees and plants achieve this through the process of photosynthesis, which allows them to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process results in the creation of wood, leaves, and other structural components of plants and trees.

To create green spaces within a community, it is important to identify available spaces, such as parks, gardens, rooftops, windowsills, balconies, or even inside buildings. Vertical gardens, for example, are an innovative way to maximize green space in a limited area. Additionally, consider organizing community projects to create mini-forests or urban farms, which can unite neighborhoods and provide fresh produce to those in need.

When selecting plants and trees, opt for fast-growing species that are known for their high carbon dioxide absorption capacity. Large, long-lived tree species, such as those found in traditional deciduous mixed woodlands, are ideal for carbon capture. Additionally, consider plants that can be grown in urban farms, such as leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes.

By creating green spaces with a variety of trees and plants, communities can actively contribute to reducing air pollution and improving the overall health and well-being of their members.

Educate the community about the risks of air pollution and the actions they can take to protect themselves

Educating the community about the risks of air pollution and the actions they can take to protect themselves is a powerful tool to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Provide Accurate and Timely Information:

Disseminate clear, non-technical explanations about the causes and health effects of air pollution. Go beyond simply stating that "air quality is poor" and address specific negative outcomes, such as acute symptoms and increased risk of diseases associated with chronic exposure to poor air quality. This empowers community members to understand the risks and take protective measures.

Raise Awareness and Mobilize Action:

Spread awareness about the dangers of air pollution and the steps community members can take to protect themselves and their loved ones. Host workshops, share informative articles, and organize local clean-up drives. Encourage participation in environmental initiatives, such as UNICEF's Voices of Youth community and the Breathe Life 2030 global campaign for clean air.

Translate Science into Actionable Steps:

Communicate the complex science of air quality in a way that is understandable and actionable for the general public. For example, explain the specific measures individuals can take to protect themselves, such as wearing masks, reducing time spent in highly polluted areas, and investing in air purifiers for their homes.

Engage with Local Authorities:

Encourage community members to engage with local governments and health authorities. Advocate for policies that reduce air pollution and protect public health, such as strengthening public transportation, improving emission controls, and limiting pollution sources near schools and playgrounds. Local governments can also promote educational initiatives and provide incentives for environmentally beneficial behaviors.

Target Vulnerable Groups:

Ensure that educational efforts reach all segments of the community, including children and speakers of various languages. Children are often passionate about the environment, and their education can extend beyond the classroom to include participation in environmental activities. Additionally, address language barriers by providing translations of educational materials to ensure that all community members understand the risks and can take appropriate protective measures.

Use public transport, walk or cycle to reduce emissions from cars and other vehicles

One of the most effective ways to reduce emissions from cars and other vehicles is to leave them behind and opt for walking or cycling instead. Walking or cycling, especially over short to medium distances, is almost always the lowest-carbon way to travel. Using a bicycle instead of a car for short trips can reduce travel emissions by around 75%. The carbon footprint of cycling one kilometer can be anywhere from 16 to 50 grams of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) per kilometer, depending on factors such as the cyclist's size, fitness level, type of bike, and diet. Bigger people tend to burn more energy while cycling, and fitter people are generally more efficient.

If walking or cycling is not an option, public transportation is the next best choice. In the United States, public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the emissions from the electricity used by nearly 5 million households. Public transportation use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually and more than 11 million gallons per day. By choosing public transportation, you can help take passenger cars off the road, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

To further reduce emissions, consider participating in car-sharing or ride-sharing programs. Carpooling with friends or colleagues can help decrease the number of vehicles on the road, leading to lower emissions and less congestion. Additionally, when purchasing a vehicle, opt for fuel-efficient models with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles, for instance, are usually a more environmentally friendly choice than traditional petrol or diesel cars.

By making conscious choices and opting for walking, cycling, public transportation, or car-sharing, you can significantly contribute to reducing emissions from cars and other vehicles in your community, leading to improved air quality and a healthier environment for all.

Support organisations working to improve air quality through donations or volunteering

Supporting organisations that work to improve air quality is a great way to help reduce air pollution in your community. Many organisations are doing vital work in this area, and they often rely on donations and volunteers to operate.

One such organisation is the Clean Air Fund, a philanthropic foundation that works with governments, funders, businesses, and campaigners to deliver clean air. They provide grants, scholarships, and technical support to local community groups, and they also focus on community action and education initiatives. The Clean Air Fund has launched toolkits in collaboration with development banks to provide guidance on integrating air quality improvements into development projects. They also work to raise awareness about the disproportionate impact of air pollution on marginalised groups.

The Clean Air Partnership (CAP), an environmental charity based in Ontario, Canada, is another organisation working to improve air quality. CAP has been helping Canadian communities become more sustainable, healthier, and resilient for over two decades. They focus on improving air quality, advancing transportation, and taking action to address climate change.

If you are based in London, you might consider supporting Clean Air in London, a not-for-profit organisation working to reduce air pollution and improve the health and air quality of all Londoners. They advocate for government accountability and collaborate with citizens, businesses, policymakers, and researchers to tackle climate change.

For those interested in the intersection of technology and climate change, Future Cleantech Architects (FCA) is an organisation that brings together experts from various sectors to find innovative solutions to climate change and air pollution. They aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 through collaborative work on creative technology solutions.

Additionally, the Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) is a non-profit organisation with a mission to promote public health and well-being by reducing air pollution and addressing other environmental factors that influence the quality of our environment, economy, and culture. CASANZ achieves this through education, advocacy, research, and policy recommendations, utilising workshops, conferences, seminars, media campaigns, and research projects.

By donating to or volunteering with these organisations, you can actively contribute to improving air quality and reducing air pollution in your community and beyond.

Frequently asked questions