Clean Air Day 2021 to take place on June 17

Charity Global Action Plan has announced that this year’s Clean Air Day will take plan on June 17.

Clean Air Day 2021 will aim to provide the public with resources which will enable businesses, schools, parents and local authorities to take action to reduce air pollution. 

For the fifth year, the theme for the campaign is ‘protect our children’s future.’ 

Exposure to poor air quality can stunt lung development and limit the life expectancy of children. It is also linked to heart and lung disease, low birth weight and may even contribute to mental health issues. 

2020 saw children bear the burden of Covid-19, impacting their freedom, education and mental wellbeing, therefore Global Action Plan has said we must ensure that children go back to a safe and healthy environment where they can learn and play safely. 

Larissa Lockwood, director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan, says: ‘We have seen the power of Clean Air Day to unite a movement, to bring confidence to talk about the importance of tackling air pollution even in trying times, and to push for change. But this year we are theming the campaign to ensure this information reaches those who need it most urgently.

‘It is our belief that children, and particularly those from low-income families, will be impacted by the turmoil the pandemic has caused for years to come.

‘We all have a role to play in protecting our children’s health from the damaging consequences of air pollution — so they can learn and play safely.

‘While face-to-face events will continue to be restricted this year, we hope people and organisations still make efforts to leave the car at home, hold knowledge sharing online events, share information and inspiration on social media and ensure that the demand for clean air is heard across the media to protect our children.’