Article 6 (life, survival and development)
Every child has the right to life. Governments must do all they can to ensure that children survive and develop to their full potential.
On Wednesday 5th June 2019 it is World Environment Day. World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment and hopefully getting governments to make changes to help children survive and develop to their full potential. This year the theme is air pollution and you are being asked to take the mask challenge. We often think of air pollution affecting cities in China and India but last year the S1s took part in the Unicef Outright campaign and tested the air quality on Braehead Way. The results showed Bridge of Don Academy is in an area of medium nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels (an air pollutant) compared to the rest of the schools that took part. Air pollution can damage children’s growth and leave them with lasting health problems, increase their risk of conditions like asthma and reduce their brain development. This means air pollution links to UNCRC Article 6 and also 24 “Every child has the right to the best possible health.”
On World Environment Day, show how you have taken action by taking a photo or video of you wearing an air mask and taking action then post it on social media using #WorldEnvironmentDay and #BeatAirPollution in your social media posts and don’t forget to tag @UNEnvironment.
Some examples of how you can take action on Wednesday 5th June (and onwards) include:
- Use public transport or car sharing, cycle or walk
- Switch to a hybrid or electric vehicle and request electric taxis
- Turn off the car engine when stationary
- Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy to help cut methane emissions
- Compost organic food items and recycle non-organic trash
- Switch to high-efficiency home heating systems and equipment
- Save energy: turn off lights and electronics when not in use
- Choose non-toxic paints and furnishings
#BeatAirPollution
Video https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/video/5-june-peoples-day-environmental-action