Clean air, citizen science, and the power of lived experience
Clean air sits at the intersection of climate, health, and justice. Yet the people most affected by poor air quality often have the least access to the data that describes their daily experience.
This session explores what becomes possible when communities generate that data themselves.
In the lead-up to London Climate Action Week, young people will take part in a Cityzens walk and run across London, collecting hyperlocal air quality data through wearable sensors, mobile technology, and community observations. The findings will create a unique picture of how air quality is experienced across the city, combining environmental measurements with lived experience.
The conversation will bring together those who collected the data, alongside community leaders and urban changemakers, to explore what the findings reveal and what they mean for the future of cleaner, healthier cities. Together, participants will examine how citizen science and youth leadership can move beyond awareness to influence action.
What to expect
The session will begin with insights from the Cityzens air quality initiative, followed by a panel discussion featuring project partners and youth leaders from cities across the UrbanBetter network.
The discussion will be participatory, creating space for shared learning and audience conversation.
Who this is for
This session is for city leaders, funders, community organisers, researchers, climate practitioners, and anyone interested in the role of citizen science, youth leadership, and community data in shaping healthier cities.
What you will get out of it
Insights from a citizen-led air quality initiative in London
Perspectives from young people collecting and interpreting environmental data
New ways of thinking about the links between air quality, health, and justice
Examples of how citizen science can support local climate action
Connections with others working on community-led urban change
Featuring
Air Aware Labs
UrbanBetter
GAYO (Accra)
Movilizatorio (Bogotá)
CELIA CIC