15 June 2023 marked Clean Air Day, the largest air pollution campaign in the United Kingdom. Environmental Protection Scotland noted that the event was a huge success, with hundreds of events taking place across the country, engaging thousands of people nationwide and reaching millions more through the media. Clean Air Day is coordinated on an annual basis by Global Action Plan, with support from a number of partners nationwide. Environmental Protection Scotland has been granted the responsibility to coordinate the campaign north of the border (i.e. in Scotland) since 2018, in partnership with Global Action Plan and on behalf of the Scottish Government. “We were delighted to see a range of actors involved in coordinating activities and events to mark the campaign, including schools, community groups, health boards, local authorities, and more, making fantastic use of our free resources available online”, said Emma Eusebi, Policy & Communications Officer, Environmental Protection Scotland.
The theme for the campaign this year was focused on raising awareness and on increasing our understanding of how air pollution can affect the brain and the mind. This followed emerging research that people who breathe polluted air are more likely to develop mental health and brain problems, such as depression, anxiety and dementia. Clean Air Day aims to drive a positive shift in public knowledge and action and Environmental Protection Scotland wanted to use the campaign to make sure the public are aware of the actions they can take to reduce their exposure and their contribution to air pollution, not only protecting their physical health, but their brain health too.
