There was an interesting article published in the Guardian today saying that 300 million children live in areas of extreme pollution.
It made me think about the little things I saw in Shanghai last week about how pollution is a part of a school’s daily life in China.
On the front door every day is placed an update about the atmosphere that day with a green/amber/red rating and any additional measures that need to be taken. As you can see here this was a green day – lots of rain that week so the air was quite clear.
The school has ‘pollution days’ where it is not possible for children to attend in the same way that in the UK we sometimes have ‘snow days’ and the school has to close.
In the grounds there is a large white tented structure which is used on amber days to allow the pupils access to outdoors whilst still being protected.
It was a little strange to see people wearing masks around school and in workshops but it’s just an accepted fact of life.
I’ve been for a beautiful autumnal walk this morning at my local RSPB and it did make me think how much we actually take for granted.
Jane Hewitt 