An Invisible Threat<\/strong><\/p><\/h3><\/div> Air pollution is one of the greatest challenges to public health \u2013 especially for children.<\/p>\n Current studies and reports reveal alarming figures: One in four children in Germany suffers from health issues caused by poor air quality<\/strong><\/a>. Figures like these highlight the necessity and urgency of implementing innovative solutions in urban areas to sustainably improve air quality. This is also emphasized by DAK CEO Andreas Storm: “The numbers and the currently high levels of fine particulate matter in many regions of Germany are a clear signal: we need greater attention to health and climate issues.”<\/a><\/p>\n Data from the European Environment Agency also reveal “shocking figures: more than 1,200 children and adolescents die every year in Europe due to air pollution.<\/strong>“<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Copyright: GettyImages_MarKord\/DAK-Gesundheit<\/p>\n<\/div> Air pollution affects everyone, but some are impacted more severely than others.<\/p>\n Among the most vulnerable and at-risk groups are people with pre-existing conditions, the elderly, and children. Children are particularly sensitive to air pollution because their lungs, brains, and immune systems are still developing. Their airways are more permeable. Additionally, children breathe faster than adults, which means they inhale more air \u2013 and therefore more pollutants \u2013 relative to their body weight.<\/p>\n “We cannot treat children as small adults when it comes to environmental risks and air pollution,” said EEA expert Gerardo Sanchez. “They have a higher breathing rate, breathe more through their mouths, are closer to the ground, and have a lower body weight. Their biology is different, as is the way they are exposed to air pollution.”<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div> According to a representative Forsa<\/strong> <\/em>survey of parents and children conducted as part of the DAK Children’s and Youth Report<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, 25% of children in Germany suffer from health problems caused by air pollution<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n The UNICEF<\/em><\/strong><\/a> report \u201eDanger in the air: How air pollution can affect brain development in young children\u201c <\/em><\/strong><\/a>(2017) lists several global<\/strong> impacts:<\/p>\n Children in urban areas are particularly affected, where pollution from traffic, industry, and heating systems is especially high (cf. DAK-Gesundheit<\/em><\/strong><\/a>). “Children and adolescents in large cities are more frequently affected than boys and girls in smaller towns”.<\/a>\u00a0While 23% of parents reported that their children had experienced health problems due to poor air quality in the past six years, 32% of children confirmed this themselves. Despite these figures, 87% of parents and 83% of children rate air quality in Germany as “very good” or “rather good”<\/a>.<\/p>\n As early as 2018, the \u00c4rzteZeitung<\/em><\/strong><\/a> warned that air pollution is “by no means just a problem of developing countries”<\/a>, but that “even in high-income countries, every second child under the age of five is exposed to particulate matter levels that exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines<\/strong>“<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> Photo: Rene Bernal from<\/span> Unsplash<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> According to a report by the European Environment Agency<\/strong> <\/em><\/a>(EEA<\/em><\/strong><\/a>), “shocking figures”<\/em><\/a> have also been recorded for Europe as a whole. As reported by Focus<\/em><\/strong><\/a> in March 2025: “High air pollution with pollutants such as fine particulate matter causes the premature death of more than 1,200 children<\/strong> and adolescents<\/strong> in Europe every year. Additionally, it significantly increases the risk of diseases such as asthma<\/strong> later in life for young people.”<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> In recent years, the European Union has tightened air pollution limits to better protect public health. However, a report by the German Environmental Aid<\/a> (Deutschen Umwelthilfe (DUH)<\/em><\/strong><\/a>) shows that Germany continues to exceed these limits in many regions. Particularly problematic is the lack of transparency from the federal government, which obscures the true extent of air pollution (cf. Deutsche Umwelthilfe<\/a>). “Problems with excessive pollutant levels often occur primarily in cities.”<\/a><\/p>\n The Tagesschau <\/a><\/strong><\/em>reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended significantly stricter limits for fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides as early as 2021. However, these values are still not being met across Germany, endangering the health of millions \u2013 especially children (cf. Tagesschau<\/a>).<\/p>\n “The WHO guidelines are significantly stricter than the EU limits.”<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Photos: Leo Rivas, Farid Ershad & <\/span>Robert Collins from Unsplash<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> “All Europeans must be protected from poor air quality \u2013 especially children”, demanded EEA Executive Director Hans Bruyninckx. Measures at the EU, national, and local levels must be urgently strengthened “to protect our children, who cannot protect themselves”. “There is still a long way to go before we achieve truly clean air.”<\/a><\/p>\n “More must be done to protect children’s health from the negative effects of air pollution”, stated the Copenhagen-based EU agency. “Despite improvements in recent years, pollution levels for various harmful substances in many countries remain persistently above the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).”<\/a><\/p>\n “DAK CEO Andreas Storm adds: A study conducted by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) in 2024 showed that improvements in air quality through environmental zones had positive effects on mental health, educational outcomes, and social equity \u2013 in addition to the ecological benefA study conducted by the German Institute for Economic Researc<\/a>h (Deutschen Institut f\u00fcr Wirtschaftsforschung e.V., <\/em><\/strong><\/a>DIW) in 2024 showed that improvements in air quality through environmental zones<\/strong> had positive effects on mental health, educational outcomes, and social equity<\/strong> \u2013 in addition to the ecological benefits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n According to EEA environmental and health expert Gerardo Sanchez, two approaches can help: The most effective way to better protect children is to reduce air pollution directly at its source<\/strong>, such as in transportation, industry, and heating systems. Additionally, it is advisable to specifically improve air quality around schools and kindergartens<\/strong>, for example, by creating more green spaces.<\/a><\/p>\n This was confirmed by the global UNICEF<\/em><\/strong><\/a>report, which recommended measures<\/strong> such as reducing air pollution<\/strong>, implementing protective measures for children by improving air quality in schools and residential areas, increasing access to green spaces, enhancing ventilation systems, and raising awareness and monitoring among parents and communities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> Photos: Daiga Ellaby, Jon Tyson & Ryan Jacobson from Unsplash<\/p>\n<\/div> The problem of air pollution and heat affects everyone \u2013 but some are impacted more severely than others. In addition to individuals with pre-existing conditions and the elderly, young children in daycare centers, as well as schoolchildren, are particularly sensitive to high temperatures and air pollutants and require special protection. However, educational institutions such as schools are often located in city centers, surrounded by roads.<\/strong> Moreover, schoolyards are typically paved areas with little greenery or shade-providing trees, as traditional greening is often difficult to implement and maintain<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> We aim to provide clean and fresh air for those most affected by air pollution \u2013 in locations where as many people as possible can benefit from clean and cool air.<\/p>\n To sustainably improve air quality in cities, innovative approaches are essential. Green City Solutions has developed groundbreaking technology with its moss filters, which effectively remove pollutants from the air. These filters not only offer a powerful solution for improving air quality but also contribute to climate adaptation. They cool the surrounding temperature<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, increase humidity<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, and create green oases in urban spaces.<\/p>\n Particularly in heavily polluted areas such as schoolyards, Code Playgrounds, and residential neighborhoods, moss filters can make a significant contribution to promoting health and well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div> Photo: Markus Spiske from Unsplash<\/p>\n<\/div> From school-related projects in Germany and the UK<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, Green City Solutions has already gained extensive experience and received positive feedback from both parents and children regarding their fresh air concepts for school environments.<\/p>\n “The innovative and natural solution, the world’s first active moss-based air filter, delivers the same effect as 81 trees on a footprint of just 9 m\u00b2, with a cooling capacity of up to 6,500 W\/h. This not only sustainably cleans the surrounding air of pollutants but also cools it by up to 4\u00b0C on hot summer days. We are very pleased that the installations near schools and daycare centers in Sch\u00f6nefeld contribute to improving the learning environment for a particularly vulnerable group<\/strong>“, says Peter S\u00e4nger, CEO and co-founder of Green City Solutions.<\/p>\n For example, schoolyard areas are “typically compacted, and traditional greening is difficult to implement and maintain,” explains the founder. “Using moss to cool and clean the air for educational institutions has been a dream scenario for us from the beginning. Children want to be outside, regardless of whether the sun is shining. Especially during lunch breaks, temperatures can become extreme. We create spaces where children can spend time and recover outdoors \u2013 particularly in places where planting trees is not a viable alternative.”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div> “Together with the innovative team at Green City Solutions, we are gradually implementing modern climate protection”, said Mayor Christian Hentschel.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> “Learning at schools in Sch\u00f6nefeld will now be even easier in a well-cooled environment.”<\/a> As part of a joint project with the municipality of Sch\u00f6nefeld<\/strong>, innovative moss filters are being installed to improve the surrounding temperature, air quality, and overall learning and recreational environment. “The project was implemented in close collaboration with the Berlin Brandenburg Area Development Company GmbH (BADC), a managing member of the Berlin Brandenburg Airport Dialogue Forum, and is a pilot project for the municipality of Sch\u00f6nefeld. The moss-based air filter and cooler is a groundbreaking example of combining nature and technology to make urban environments more climate-friendly.”<\/a><\/p>\n In the first phase of the project \u2013 completed just one week before the end of the summer holidays \u2013 three moss-based fresh air filters, known as “CityTrees”<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, were installed at two schools and one daycare center in the municipality of Sch\u00f6nefeld. Thanks to the actively ventilated moss modules, the three installations provide a total air circulation capacity of up to 15,000 m\u00b3 per hour. Additionally, the CityTrees collectively deliver a cooling capacity of approximately 19,500 watts, equivalent to the performance of more than 240 trees \u2013 all on just 9 m\u00b2 of space each.\u00a0The second phase of the installation includes additional moss modules in the form of 14 “WallBreeze<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a>” elements. These units provide an additional air circulation capacity of 19,600 m\u00b3 per hour, with a cooling capacity of 23,100 watts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Copyright:](\"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/k-250217-download-bild-kjr-luftverschmutzung-1-1024x682.jpg\" "\\"k-250217-download-bild-kjr-luftverschmutzung\\"")
<\/span><\/div>Why Are Children Particularly Vulnerable?<\/h5>\n
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Health Problems Caused by Air Pollution: A Worrying Trend<\/h5>\n
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![\"Rene](\"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/k-rene-bernal-f0rdHx5P8sQ-unsplash-e1741626244166.jpg\" "\\"k-rene-bernal-f0rdHx5P8sQ-unsplash\\"")
<\/span><\/div>Air Pollution in Germany: Limits and Reality<\/h5>\n
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<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"Farid](\"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/k-farid-ershad-oShaUExwTac-unsplash-460x295.jpg\" "\\"k-farid-ershad-oShaUExwTac-unsplash\\"")
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<\/a><\/div><\/div>Increased Attention and Innovative Solutions<\/h5>\n
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\n“The current poor air quality in many regions of Germany and our Forsa survey show that the issue of air pollution must not be underestimated. We need more attention to health and climate issues \u2013 this is where politics must set priorities after the federal elections. It\u2019s about the future of our children.”<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Daiga](\"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/k-daiga-ellaby-JZ51o_-UOY8-unsplash-460x295.jpg\" "\\"k-daiga-ellaby-JZ51o_-UOY8-unsplash\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"Ryan](\"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/k-ryan-jacobson-cXUOQWdRV4I-unsplash-460x295.jpg\" "\\"k-ryan-jacobson-cXUOQWdRV4I-unsplash\\"")
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<\/a><\/div><\/div>Plant-Based Climate Systems for Everyone \u2013 Especially the Youngest<\/h5>\n
![\"Markus](\"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/k-markus-spiske-97Rpu-UmCaY-unsplash-scaled-e1741726959681.jpg\" "\\"k-markus-spiske-97Rpu-UmCaY-unsplash\\"")
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Plant-Based Climate Control System in the Schoolyard<\/strong><\/a><\/h5>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Learn More<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/k-k-k-GCS_CTs-Schoenefeld_23.08.2024_IMG_2800-460x295.jpeg\" "\\"k-k-k-GCS_CTs")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greencitysolutions.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/k-k-k-GCS_CTs-Schoenefeld_23.08.2024_IMG_2808-460x295.jpeg\" "\\"CTs")
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