Thousands of parents and children across the world, led by the UK-based group Mothers Rise Up, staged protests demanding urgent government action to address air pollution that disproportionately harms children.
In short:
- Only 1% of the UK’s 43,000 playgrounds meet the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines, exposing children to harmful pollutants.
- The demonstrations coincide with an upcoming WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, where parents from multiple countries will push for policy changes.
- Activists demand a transition away from fossil fuels, an end to new oil and gas projects, and the rejection of Heathrow’s third runway expansion.
Key quote:
“We know that the vast majority of this pollution comes from burning fossil fuels like oil and gas – it’s so important to move to renewable energy sources for our health, not just our planet.”
— Lorna Powell, an urgent care doctor and member of Mothers Rise Up
Why this matters:
Air pollution remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, particularly for children, whose developing lungs and higher breathing rates make them more susceptible to harmful pollutants. In cities across the globe, a toxic mix of vehicle emissions, industrial byproducts, and fossil fuel combustion is fueling a rise in respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even developmental disorders.
As scientific evidence mounts, the debate over how aggressively to curb air pollution continues. While cities like London, Paris, and New York have introduced stringent emission regulations, critics argue that enforcement gaps and economic trade-offs complicate the path to cleaner air. Meanwhile, in developing nations, where regulatory oversight is often weaker, air pollution remains an even more immediate and deadly threat.
For families, doctors, and policymakers, the question remains urgent: At what cost do we allow dangerous levels of air pollution to persist?
Related EHN coverage: Air pollution linked to millions of birth complications across the globe
