Water pollution in the UK: the causes and effects
Find out more in this Earthwatch Europe blog (7th August 2024). Discover how water pollution is a huge challenge for freshwater in the UK, impacting our rivers, streams and lakes and the wildlife that call them home. You can also sign up to the Great UK WaterBlitz.
Clear science for clean air – teaching air quality in schools
SEPA describe how they celebrated Clean Air Day with an interactive day at the Glasgow Science Centre. Watch their Youtube video. Over 800 pupils took part in a selection of experiments from data mapping to throwing air pollution ping pongs balls in the 'Our Amazing Air' science show. Pupils have [...]
The Great UK WaterBlitz results are in…
Earlier this month, over 2,600 people across the UK went out and measured the water quality of their local freshwater bodies. Earthwatch UK report on the results of their Great UK WaterBlitz. The Solway Tweed river basin district showed the best health with only 50% of data points showing unacceptable levels of nutrient [...]
Air pollution and children
Read this sobering Child in the City article (19 June 2024) , which describes why Air pollution is a global killer – and it’s the under fives who are most at risk.
Clean Air Day – what are schools doing with SEPA?
20th June was Clean Air Day. Through a programme of education workshops and events, SEPA have: Engaged with over 2,000 pupils this school term. Brought the impact of our decisions to life through an interactive air quality exhibit. Launched new tools for pupils to see the data from their own [...]
Hedge and living gate installed at a Surrey Primary School
Greenspace Scotland shared this news item by University of Surrey (10 November 2023). Researchers from the University of Surrey, ZERO Carbon Guildford, parents and residents’ groups came up with green infrastructure solutions to curb the effect of air pollution on children and staff at Sandfield Primary. A living green gate [...]
Lecturers appointed to support schools on statistics and climate change
The Royal Statistical Society (21 June 2023) have announced the appointment of three William Guy Lecturers for 2023-24. The lecturers will engage with schoolchildren across the UK to highlight the importance of statistics in combating climate change. Two of the 3 lecturers are based in Scotland. The lecturer topics are: [...]
Protecting playgrounds from traffic air pollution with roadside greening
Evidence has been shared which shows that exposure to airborne particulate matter is linked with impaired neuro-development and cognitive function. These findings demonstrate that roadside vegetation near playgrounds can be designed, installed and maintained to achieve rapid, significant and cost-effective improvement of air quality.
