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Project title

BEHAVior and Impacts on AIR quality: Combining forecasting with co-created, targeted messages to reduce polluting behaviours (BEHAV-I-AIR)

Primary Funding Agency

Science Foundation Ireland

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University College Cork

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

Air pollution is a major contributor to climate emissions and a global health threat. In Ireland, air pollution is largely determined by human actions, specifically how we travel and heat our homes. However, the link between personal behaviour, air quality and health is often invisible to the public. This poses a challenge for creating effective communication strategies to empower citizens to contribute to cleaner air. Evidence shows that top-down, untargeted information campaigns have limited behavioural impact. Our innovative solution is to combine technological advances in air quality forecasting with community-engaged design thinking to co-create air quality alerts and behavioural prompts with the public. This visionary approach that integrates accurate forecasts�to create targeted and timely information�with behavioural insight to craft engaging and personalised messages, will provide a powerful lever to positively impact environmentally and publicly beneficial behaviours. We will launch a Clean Air Living Lab in Cork to test and refine a forecasting and communication model with the public. This model will then be scaled up to a national level. The project team has unique cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary expertise in air quality, behavioural psychology and policy, and builds on an established transdisciplinary partnership for air quality promotion.

Grant Approved

�300,536.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

4. Air Science

Start Date

01/06/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2024