Transdisciplinary Research as a Means of Protecting Human Health, Ecosystems and Climate by Engaging People to Act on Air Pollution

Büker, Patrick; West, Sarah E.; Bowyer, Cressida J.; Apondo, William; Cinderby, Steve; Gray, Cindy M.; Hahn, Matthew; Lambe, Fiona; Loh, Miranda; Medcalf, Alexander; Muhoza, Cassilde; Muindi, Kanyiva; Njoora, Timothy Kamau; Twigg, Marsailidh M.; Waelde, Charlotte; Walnycki, Anna; Wainwright, Megan; Wendler, Jana; Wilson, Mike; Price, Heather D.

Abstract

Air pollution harms the health of humans, nature and wildlife, agricultural crops and livestock and climate. As a result, it hinders the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Change). In order to improve human and (agro-)ecosystem health, One Health approaches for better air quality must account for local knowledge, cultural practices and priorities. People with lower socio-economic status often have limited awareness of air pollution yet are affected most through personal exposure and increased food prices. This case trialled a new, co-created transdisciplinary approach to air pollution awareness raising in the Mukuru community in Nairobi, Kenya. The pilot study used interviews, storytelling, participatory mapping, theatre, playful activities and music with the aim of discovering affected communities’ perceptions of air pollution, increasing understanding and empowering people to demand that policy makers develop and implement effective, inclusive air pollution abatement policies. Information © The Authors 2024

Citation

Büker, P., West, S. E., Bowyer, C. J., Apondo, W., Cinderby, S., Gray, C. M., …Price, H. D. (2024). Transdisciplinary Research as a Means of Protecting Human Health, Ecosystems and Climate by Engaging People to Act on Air Pollution. One Health Cases, https://doi.org/10.1079/onehealthcases.2024.0002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 12, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Feb 12, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 15, 2024
• Deposit Date: Feb 20, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 4, 2024
• Journal: One Health Cases
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/onehealthcases.2024.0002
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2270507