Concerns among UK children about air pollution has increased by 10 per cent since a 2018, a poll by YouGov commissioned by walking and cycling charity Sustrans has revealed.
The YouGov poll surveyed 1,305 pupils between the ages of six to 15 years old in the UK, to discover their attitudes towards air pollution and the climate crisis. It also included questions to find out what actions they think should be taken to help reduce the impact of poor air quality and climate change.
Over three fifths (62 per cent) of the participants did not think adults are doing enough to tackle climate change.
Meanwhile, 40 per cent of the schoolchildren thought that walking, cycling, or scooting to school was the best way to reduce air pollution levels around their school. Almost three fifths of pupils described the environment around their school as having too many cars.
Moreover, 71 per cent of the pupils admitted they felt worried about climate change, while 53 per cent believed adults do not listen to their concerns about the environment.
Xavier Brice, CEO of Sustrans, commented: ‘The results of this survey highlight the responsibility we have to create a healthier, greener and fairer society for the generation coming after us.
‘There are a large number of cars on the road during the morning peak doing the school run. But swapping everyday journeys such as how we travel to and from school from private cars to active modes of travel can help cut dangerous levels of air pollution in our towns and cities which have a detrimental impact on the environment.
‘That’s why we’re asking local election candidates and elected officials to ensure that every child has the opportunity and confidence to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle safely to school. They should be able to do this by using high-quality walking and cycling routes and to accelerate the roll-out of school streets.
‘Let’s ensure our recovery from Covid is greener, fairer and healthier for everyone’.
