Cambridgeshire children learn about the effects of air pollution
'Clearer Skies, Healthier lives' has already been trialled in five schools in the county.
Last updated 7th Sep 2026
School children in Cambridgeshire have been learning about air pollution and how it affects people's health, thanks to a new initiative.
'Clearer Skies, Healthier lives' is a new programme that has been trialled in five schools in the county. It combines interactive workshops, real-world data collection and the creation of a student-led educational film.
The programme is funded by a Public Health grant and is a collaboration between Cambridgeshire County Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council.
School children explored how traffic, travel choices and air quality are linked. They are also shown practical steps they can take to reduce pollution and exposure. They monitored the air pollution levels using portable air quality monitors.
The pupils then took part in making a film that will be used as long-term resource for Cambridgeshire schools, which will feature key messages about air quality and health.
Cambridgeshire County Council says the film will be issued to all schools, along with a resourced lesson pack, to support learning and raise awareness of air pollution and its impact on health.
Following on from the pilot programme in five school, the council plans to expand the project to more schools across the county.
Cllr Alex Beckett, Chair of the Highways & Transport Committee, said: “This project gives young people the knowledge and confidence to understand air quality and take positive action in their everyday lives. It also supports the council’s ambition of making Cambridgeshire a greener and healthier county to live in.
“It’s a fantastic example of partnership working to support children’s health and give them the best start in life.”
Cllr Laurence Damary-Homan, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Engagement from pupils has been fantastic and really inspiring. Initiatives like this help communities better understand local air quality and how small changes can make a big difference. It’s so important to teach this to young people; the adults, leaders and decision makers of tomorrow.”
Cambridge Cllr Rosy Moore, Cabinet Member for Climate Action & Environment at Cambridge City Council: “We know that breathing in dirty polluted air has a negative impact on our long-term physical and mental health and that children are particularly vulnerable, so it's great to be working collaboratively across the councils to clean up the air that we all breathe. Understanding the facts is key to helping us all to make positive decisions about our travel choices at any age."