Beyond Covid-19 is a programme of online Speaker Events for members and supporters of the Green Parties of Lambeth and Southwark. At each event we hear from topic experts and consider ways to ensure that the lessons from coronavirus lead to a more positive future for all. This event focuses on Air Quality.

It is now widely recognised that air pollution has increased the impact of coronavirus, including among people of BAME backgrounds and lower income in particular. At this event we have the chance to learn more about the impacts of air pollution on health, and why this is a social justice issue as well as an environmental concern.

(Required RSVP is at the foot of this page).

Rosamund Kissi-Debrah’s nine-year-old daughter Ella died in 2013 from an asthma attack linked to illegally high levels of air pollution on the South London road where she lived. Rosamund is now a renowned public health campaigner, former Green candidate for Lewisham, and World Health Organisation Public Advocate. She will explain how air pollution affects health conditions, and the differential impact it has on different ethnic and socioeconomic populations.

We will also hear from Diana Varaden, a researcher at Kings College London who specialises in engaging diverse community groups in work on air pollution. Diana will discuss some of the initiatives she has been working on, including some involving air quality monitoring by schoolchildren.

Please RSVP to this event below to receive the necessary details on how to attend.

A few links to further reading that you may find interesting ahead of the event:

Article by Damian Carrington, Environment Editor The Guardian, Air pollution likely to increase coronavirus death rate, warn experts 17 March 2020

Website of the Ella Roberta Family Foundation, co-founded by speaker Rosamund Kissi Debrah

Article by Jessica Taylor, The Evening Standard, Did air pollution kill my daughter? 

Feature on school's air quality project Breathe London Wearables Study