Mobilizing for Cleaner Air with the Launch of Air Quality Working Group

Groundwork Hudson Valley launched its Air Quality Working Group on March 27, 2024. It’s a community-driven initiative that focuses on addressing air pollution exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat events.

Groundwork Hudson Valley’s air quality awareness education campaign and monitoring initiative aims to empower communities to understand the importance of air quality, such as its impacts on human and environmental health and how they can contribute to monitoring efforts and advocate for cleaner air. Poor air quality can cause severe adverse effects on human health, and amplify symptoms for people with pre-existing conditions, including asthma, COPD and cardiac issues. Through this initiative, Groundwork Hudson Valley will educate and equip community members with knowledge about how to understand how air quality affects their community, how they can reduce personal risk on days with poor air quality, and advocate for cleaner air in Yonkers.

The Air Quality Working Group focuses on four main areas:

1. Empowerment and Education: Providing training and resources to understand common air quality pollutants and the air quality index (AQI) monitoring practices, policies, and data analysis. This includes sessions on air pollution sources, health impacts, and mitigation strategies.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: Engaging members in collecting air quality data using monitors and sensors, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability. Collaboration among members enhances data quality.
3. Community Engagement: Facilitating interactions between working group members and the broader community to raise awareness about air quality issues. This involves organizing outreach events, workshops, and educational sessions to promote citizen science and environmental stewardship.
4. Data Interpretation and Action: Analyzing collected data to identify trends, pollution hotspots, and patterns. Collaborating with local stakeholders to develop targeted interventions and advocacy strategies based on the findings.

How can you get involved?

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