Effort for better air quality in CT schools gets bipartisan support
Effort for better air quality in CT schools gets bipartisan support The Connecticut Mirror
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Bad Air Quality in Schools: A Public Health Risk
Bad air quality in schools is one of the top environmental public health risks in the U.S. and a state working group is pushing for passage of a bill this legislative session to continue addressing the issue in Connecticut.
The Proposal
The proposal would require that at least 20% of school districts be inspected every year, until all buildings have been evaluated. If approved, the bill would also extend the working group until 2030.
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Statewide Focus on Indoor Air Quality
“These assessments and the focus on indoor air quality needs to happen statewide and all the schools that we have,” Sen. Julie Kushner, a Democrat from Danbury, and co-chair of the School Indoor Air Quality Working Group said.
Poor air quality and ventilation has been found to impede learning and harm health. According to Kushner, issues with indoor air quality aren’t in any one district, it’s throughout the state.
It is not an easy issue to solve since the state has many older or unmaintained school buildings, she said.
Press Conference on National Healthy Schools Day
Members of the working group spoke at a press conference Tuesday to mark National Healthy Schools Day.
“This is not a bill about air conditioning,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, a Republican representing Newtown. “This is a bill about air quality, and the results of bad air quality on human beings.”
Investment in Clean and Healthy Air
“Because of the funds from the Governor, we have invested nearly $200 million over the past two years into mechanical means of fresh air — HVAC and system level fixes — to our school buildings, to ensure they will have clean and healthy air, which not only is good for health, of course, but also better for learning,” said working group co-chair Rep. Jennifer Leeper, a Democrat from Fairfield County.
Approval and Next Steps
The proposal had unanimous committee approval and is waiting to be taken up in the Senate before advancing.
This story was first published April 9, 2024 by Connecticut Public.
SDGs, Targets and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
The article discusses the issue of bad air quality in schools and its impact on health and learning. Based on this information, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The issue of bad air quality in schools contributes to hazardous air pollution, which can lead to health problems for students and staff. Target 3.9 aims to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution, making it relevant to the issue discussed in the article.
SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all
The article mentions that poor air quality and ventilation in schools can impede learning. Target 4.a focuses on creating safe and effective learning environments for all students, which includes addressing issues like air quality in schools.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
The issue of bad air quality in schools is a reflection of the adverse environmental impact of cities. Target 11.6 specifically mentions paying attention to air quality in order to reduce the negative impact on individuals living in urban areas.
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
While the article does not directly mention climate change, addressing the issue of bad air quality in schools can be seen as a climate action measure. Target 13.2 emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into policies and planning, which includes addressing air quality issues.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ctmirror.org
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