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The urban landscape and its dynamics cause some of the most severe environmental and health problems.
Air pollution caused by transportation has captured attention for its harmful effects on health, especially for its effect on vulnerable age groups, such as children.
The BREATHE project aims to address the air pollution problem with a ‘nature-based solution’, by modifying the urban landscape through the addition of vegetation with certain traits that mitigate air contaminants.
The BREATHE project is environmental and social research, as well as technological innovation. Specifically, this project investigates the use of green barriers to mitigate air pollution. The aim is to improve the health and well-being of children who are exposed to low quality air in school playgrounds.
Green barriers are vertical and horizontal spatial arrangements of various types of vegetation. These barriers will be installed in two schools, between the playground and street. Currently two schools are taking part in this project. These schools are in Sheffield and Buenos Aires.
Find out more about GoGoGreen at Hunters Bar Infants School in Sheffield.
The impact of the green barriers on air quality, health and psychological well-being will be assessed through different metrics. We will also examine the feasibility of carrying out the project in a developing country.
The outcomes and lessons learned will be communicated with the vision of reproducing the positives in the developed and developing world.
CNBC news interviewed Maria in June 2020. They spoke to her about her project and linked it up to other global efforts to combat air pollution. Look here to read: In cities around the world, living walls and green barriers could lift our moods and help tackle pollution.
If you want to find out more about how the barrier was installed, you can read more here. School seeks help to install pioneering ‘green’ pollution barrier.
And read this interview with Maria to find out about the green barrier and how it reduces air pollution for children at the school.
Maria del Carmen Redondo Bermudez