GreenLearning Canada and Clean Air Champions are teaming up to develop education resources on air quality and respiratory disease such as asthma. We are currently conducting focus groups with teachers and students in Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Sackville, and we will soon conduct an online survey. Both efforts will help us create meaningful and engaging education programs on this important topic.

In its 2007 report, Life and Breath: Respiratory Disease in Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada illustrated the need for action to help Canadians breathe easier. More than three million Canadians cope with serious chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Respiratory disease is now the third leading cause of death in Canada, and youth are particularly vulnerable.

Education is key to helping young people understand and manage this disease and to addressing the broader issues of air quality and health. Watch for the next issue of GL News for an opportunity to shape these new programs through our Canada-wide survey.