Community-based strategies for action: Reducing the carbon footprint of schools and improving the health of children

Many individuals and communities do not feel vulnerable to health effects from climate change. One core action strategy to reduce health impacts as a result of climate change includes highlighting co-benefits to health through adaptation and mitigation activities, for example focusing on improving air quality to reduce asthma attacks. School systems are an excellent venue for using co-benefits to enhance mitigation efforts. This presentation will discuss efforts in a large Midwestern school system to improve the environment such as air quality, to reduce respiratory ailments, and ultimately reduce its carbon footprint. Activities include Tools for Schools, anti-idling initiatives, and participation in an EPA funded Community Assessment and Renewal for the Environment (CARE) project.