DivAirCity: Equation of Social Inequality, Health Conditions and Air Pollution in Cities
We use nature-based solutions and participatory urban development to improve air quality and climate resilience in cities. We include digital health monitoring to track personal exposure to air pollutants, linking environmental data with health outcomes.
Contact: Nico Steckhan, Orhan Konak
funded by EU H2020 framework
Description
DivAirCity is funded by the European Commission under the H2020 program and combines people, places, business models and climate resilience strategies to improve air quality and advance decarbonization. The project focuses on the challenge of adapting to climate change and improving air quality in urban areas through participatory urban development and nature-based solutions. Recognized exemplary strategies for nature-based solutions can start from greening of facades and roofs to sustainable behavioural interventions. DivAirCity puts diversity and "difference" at the center of climate-neutral urban development measures as a driver of urban change.
The role of HPI’s chair for connected healthcare was the establishment of digital solutions to monitor personal exposure to finally associate health metrics with environmental data. This interdisciplinary approach was conducted together with Charité’s department for integrative medicine, Creative Climate Cities, and SPI (at Rechenzentrum).
As digital health partner, we established a health monitoring solution that implements geographic momentary assessments and vital sign measurements in 4 partner cities (Aarhus, Bucharest, Castellon, Orvietto). Together with 26 EU-Organisations, we created living labs that inform and connect citizens with the project.
Exposure to air pollutants
Inhalation of air pollutants can lead to immune and nervous system diseases, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and growth disorders in children. For the Potsdam analysis, exposures to fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were considered.
Data source: © MLUL 2014 - Clean Air Plan of the State Capital Potsdam.
Further information
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DivAirCity
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0dl0kjW_ALLadD_fmC0qtw