ABSTRACT
The chapter explores the capacities of the smart city approach to develop children’s early comprehension of their complex urban environment, focusing on air quality in Stavanger, Norway. Despite local air quality data indicating relatively stable levels over the last decade, ambient air pollution has been globally recognized as a critical challenge for urban residents, especially children, and their use of outdoor spaces in cities. This study builds on two interviews with municipal professionals and a qualitative questionnaire, asking early childhood teachers about their awareness, knowledge, and communication practices with children regarding air quality. Answers were discussed considering local air quality data, earlier research, and theory of air quality and children’s health, environmental citizenship, and sustainability. Findings reveal untapped potential in teachers’ understanding of local air quality and pollution and communicating these issues with the children. The study may increase both adults’ and children’s base comprehension of the interrelationships between air quality, health, sustainability, and technology, potentially empowering them as environmentally aware citizens.
