Boris Johnson looked like he was having fun in a giant snow globe when he chatted to children at a primary school.
But instead of being there for wintry fun, the Mayor of London’s trip to Norbury Manor school had a serious message behind it.
He was there to launch an air quality public awareness campaign aimed at helping Londoners learn how to reduce their exposure to pollution and improve air quality.
To kickstart the Breathe Better Together (BBT) campaign, pupils at the school in Abingdon Road, Norbury, tested their lung function and explored the giant globe, which simulated particulates in the atmosphere.
They then learned about the school’s air quality monitoring station.
Eleven-year-old Naomi Heron said: "We learned so much from meeting the Mayor and about air quality, we enjoyed making London balloons and the giant globe was really good fun and messy.
"We think that together we can all help reduce pollution and one day there will be a car on London’s roads that is the cleanest car ever."
BBT is organised by the Mayor in partnership with Croydon, Islington and Camden councils and the City of London.
Over the next few months there will be a poster and radio advertising campaign as well as Londoners being encouraged to sign up for email and text alerts about pollution levels as well as tips on how to minimise exposure.
Many other schools will be visited by the giant globe to help them learn more facts about pollution.
The Mayor said: "This is about promoting small simple steps we can all make to help improve air quality, protect ourselves from pollutants and indeed breathe better together.
"I’m confident the ultra-low emission zone and the strict tightening of our emission standards will help dramatically improve air quality and lower nitrogen dioxide levels across the city. "
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