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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 it’s 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.
Specifically, this is a project of environmental and social research, as well as technological innovation. This project investigates the use of green barriers to mitigate air pollution and improve the health and well-being of children that are exposed to low quality air in their school playgrounds.
The green barriers are vertical and horizontal spatial arrangements of various types of vegetation. They will be installed next to the walls between the playground and street in two schools. The schools are in Sheffield and Buenos Aires.
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.
Maria’s green barrier is now installed at Hunters Bar Infant School in Sheffield.
Read this interview with Maria and find out about the green barrier, how it works and how people can make them in their own back garden.
Interview with Maria October 2019: Green Barrier to Reduce Air Pollution for Children
Maria del Carmen Redondo Bermudez