Clean Air Day 2025: Empowering the Next Generation of Air Quality Champions

To mark Clean Air Day 2025, EarthSense brought science, data, and inspiration into the classroom, delivering interactive workshops at schools across Birmingham to help students understand the importance of cleaner air and how they can be part of the solution.

On 19 June, members of the EarthSense team, including Isaac and Kiran, visited The Oval Primary School in Yardley and Whitehouse Common Primary School in Sutton Coldfield, engaging pupils in hands-on air quality learning. The sessions gave students the chance to become air quality scientists for the day—investigating the causes of pollution, its health impacts, and how monitoring tools can support better air.

Bringing Data to Life

At both schools, students explored what air quality really means, examined real-time data from EarthSense’s Zephyr® monitors, and used the EarthSense MyAir® portal to analyse pollutant trends across their school grounds. They made predictions, investigated nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM2.5), and discussed how everyday choices—like walking to school—can improve the air we all breathe.

Tom Hall, CEO at EarthSense, said:

“Our challenge for the students was to become air quality scientists for the day. They looked at the causes and impact of air pollution, why we monitor it and how monitoring can help, and helped us to analyse real data from our portal. All of this helped to show the students how science and technology can empower communities to breathe cleaner, healthier air.”

Kiran Mistry, Krupa Mistry and Isaac Mitchell at The Oval School, Birmingham.

Voices from the School Community

The Oval School, one of the long-term users of the Zephyr® monitor, shared how this technology is helping to shape behaviour and build awareness:

“The Oval School have the Zephyrs monitor located in the playground. Our children actively engage with the monitor throughout the day and report any changes to the head teacher. Our parents have access to the data at the end of the school day and from the comfort of their homes using the link that was sent to school. Since using the monitor, it has allowed parents and children to think about ways to ensure the air is less pollutant. Our children who have medical needs like asthma feel reassured that The Oval is ensuring our children’s air is as clean as it can be. All of our parents, staff and children have responsibility to improve the air quality.”— Chanelle Thomas, Pastoral Manager and DSL, The Oval School

A Shared Responsibility

EarthSense’s school workshops show that when students are given the tools and knowledge to understand air pollution, they become powerful advocates for clean air in their homes and communities. This year’s Clean Air Day highlighted not just the impact of pollution, but the hope and change that comes when technology, education, and engagement come together.

Looking Ahead

We’ll continue to shout about the importance of clean air—not just on Clean Air Day, but all year round. The excitement and curiosity we saw from pupils, teachers and parents is exactly what’s needed to drive lasting change. We hope more schools and councils across the UK will seize this opportunity to inspire their communities, improve air quality, and empower the next generation to protect our environment.