Initially, our research team planned to address public and environmental health officials in catering a directive for improvement in Cologne. However, through iterative research and through presentation to our cohort of engineering students, we gleaned an interesting perspective shift. With the realization that political change is often slowed due to bureaucratic procedures, and changes are often incremental, we decided to focus concerted efforts on a public education campaign rollout, catering to younger and older audiences alike.
For younger audiences, we authored and illustrated a children’s book, “The Adventures of Laura the Ladybug,” teaching elementary aged students and young audiences of the important impact of green spaces on urban air quality. Synopsis: “Follow Laura as she learns how bad air and good air change around Cologne. She wants to know how trees help keep the air clean. With Christoph the Oak Tree and Thelma the Truck helping her figure it out, Laura is excited to learn all about Cologne!” The group member specializing in this work was Yehalah Fernando.
For adult audiences, particularly voting citizens of Cologne, we thoroughly analyzed the Cologne Government’s Urban Development Plan 2.0, considering the five principles and corresponding goals across social, economic, and environmental sectors. From these findings, we provided interpretations of the next decade of environmental targets, and determined the connection to our data analysis and findings. The group member specializing in this work was Abby Hughes.
In turn, our recommendations for NO2 reductions for improving national and regional air quality standards through active citizen participation through voting and public awareness of current development plans, starting at a young age! Further, preventative routines and behaviors at the individual and household level, such as decreasing personal transportation trips by cars and trucks, and opting for public transportation, cycling, and walking when possible. Finally, supporting the growth and development of green spaces such as Finkens Garten at Rodenkirchen are essential components of improvement to air quality and quality of life in Cologne.