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There is a rising interest in how young people can decrease air pollutants and enhance air quality worldwide. A recent webinar empowered young people to tackle this issue by focusing on super pollutants, which have a significant impact on the climate and public health. The webinar examined the current youth engagement landscape, identified barriers and discussed future incentives. SEI York Centre Director Sarah West and other experts provided valuable insights on how young people can take ownership of air quality initiatives and create a supportive environment.
The first online forum of Youth Action for Climate and Clean Air, organized by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), SEI and partners, took place on 12 July and served as a powerful reminder of the significant role young people play in climate action. The webinar, titled “Youth Action for Climate and Clean Air Now”, brought together global youth activists, entrepreneurs and environmental leaders to highlighted the shared challenges young people face regarding air pollution. Participants engaged with a number of key experts in these issues, including Zuhair Ahmed, Global Coordinator of the Children and Youth Major Group to the United Nations, Environment Program, Gabrielle Dreyfus, Chief Scientist, Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, Co-founder, Deladem Kojo Xonu, EBAPreneur Solution clean-cookstoves in Ghana, Laura Serna Mosquera, Co-founder, El Derecho a No Obedecer, Sarah West, Centre Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York, and Hannah Girardeau, Gender and Youth Associate at NDC Partnership.
The webinar focused on the connection between air quality and climate change and the role of young people in these issues. It aimed to tackle pressing environmental challenges, particularly super pollutants, and their impact on the youth. Pollutants such as black carbon, methane and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), also known as super pollutants, that have a significant impact on global warming. These super pollutants contribute to the rapid melting of glaciers, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events, further exacerbating the challenges posed by climate change.
A key idea emerging from the forum was the importance of addressing air pollution and its pollutants with a sense of urgency, while simultaneously creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive and protect the environment. WHO estimates that 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air. Approximately one third of stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer deaths, along with one quarter of heart attack deaths, can be attributed to airborne pollutants. Household pollution leads to heart disease and lung cancer. Children, in particular, bear the brunt of this crisis. UNICEF reports that approximately 93% of children worldwide breathe polluted air with risks to their health and development.
The urgency to address air pollution is at the forefront of global discussions. The need for collective action among diverse stakeholders is clear, and this webinar underscored the crucial role of youth in shaping a sustainable future, transcending regional divisions.
Here are three takeaways from the presentations and discussions on youth action for clean air:
During the webinar, over 140 young individuals from around the world came together to discuss actionable steps to combat climate change and air pollution, especially by engaging the ongoing review of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As countries update their NDCs, it is vital for young voices to be heard and ensure that air pollution priorities, specifically those affecting young people, are adequately addressed. To engage the process, young people need to build knowledge about the NDCs and take the initiative to learn about the interrelation between air quality and climate change and the policy landscape. By understanding the scientific, environmental and societal aspects of these issues, they become stronger advocates for change from an informed position.
One of the key takeaways from the webinar was the importance of collaboration and networking. By actively engaging with organizations and initiatives already working towards addressing these challenges, young people can amplify their impact and drive meaningful change. The power of collective action should not be underestimated, and building strong networks can provide valuable support and resources.
It is also important to recognize that change can begin at the local level. Young people can embark on a journey of transformation by taking individual and collective actions within their communities. Whether it is implementing sustainable practices, advocating for clean air policies or raising awareness, every action counts. Starting locally paves the way for global change.
Governments need to integrate accessible and clean energy solutions at the local level, particularly in areas such as cooking and transportation, to minimize waste and pollution. By making these alternatives affordable and readily available, young people can influence communities to reduce reliance on polluting sources and improve both air quality and public health.
The first Youth Action for Climate and Clean Air Youth webinar showcased the immense potential of young people in addressing climate change and air pollution. Education and knowledge acquisition are fundamental pillars for collective actions, and it is imperative to provide young people with the resources, support and platforms they need to address air pollution at global, national and local levels.
Young leaders are leading the charge against air pollution! Our #YouthAction webinar revealed how they are tackling super pollutants for immediate climate impact. Learn more about strategies, challenges and progress. #GenZ #AirQuality
Share on XProject / This project investigates air pollutants inside homes in the city of Bradford, UK: their sources, interactions and health effects on those living there.
Project / A citizen science project monitoring indoor air, created with and for UK schools.
Project / SEI works with research institutes to assess the impact of pollutants, besides CO₂, that drive climate change, and to develop climate change mitigation options.
Feature / SEI York Centre Director Sarah West was interviewed for a recent briefing for the UK parliament.
Feature / Researchers working in Nairobi, Kenya, used creative arts methods to engage communities in the co-designed Tupumue project. With reflections from Sarah West.
Perspective / "Scientists, teachers and pupils are working together to evaluate air quality in UK classrooms" writes Sarah West in Air Quality News Magazine.
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