Air Pollution and the Fight for Clean Air: Ella's Story

Hello Community,

Air pollution is a silent killer that affects millions of people worldwide, yet it rarely makes headlines the way other health crises do. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution kills an estimated 7 million people globally every year. But it’s not just numbers that we should pay attention to—it’s the stories of the people behind those numbers that drive home the need for action. One such story is that of Ella Roberta Kissi-Debrah, a story that has stuck with me since I first heard it during a podcast interview with Marisol Iglesias-Gonzalez back in 2022.

Ella was just 9 years old when she passed away after suffering multiple asthma attacks, triggered by the toxic air she was breathing every day in South East London. I remember telling this story on my recent podcast episode because it comes to mind anytime the topic of climate change comes up in conversation.

In the podcast episode, I say, "Every attack was brutal, and despite her mom’s effort, Ella passed away after massive asthma attacks. But the story doesn’t end there. Ella’s mom didn’t just grieve—she sought answers."

Ella’s mother, Rosamund, fought for years to understand why her daughter’s health had deteriorated so quickly. In 2020, seven years after Ella’s passing, something unprecedented happened: the UK held a second inquest into her death and concluded that air pollution was a direct cause. This was the first time air pollution had ever been listed as a cause of death in the UK. Let me repeat that: air pollution was a direct cause of her death.

Think about that for a moment. The air that we breathe every day—the air that is supposed to sustain us—was the reason a young girl’s life was cut short. It’s hard to comprehend, but it’s a reality that many people, especially those living in low-income or marginalized communities, face every day. As I mentioned in the episode, "Air pollution doesn't just affect one child in one city; it’s affecting millions of people, disproportionately people of color, low-income communities, and children like Ella."

The heartbreaking part is that Ella’s death was preventable. The air quality in her neighborhood was far beyond the World Health Organization’s recommended guidelines, and yet no significant actions were taken until it was too late. And this isn’t just an issue in London. Here in the U.S., cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Houston, and even rural communities near industrial plants, face the same threat.

In that 2022 episode with Marisol, we discussed how climate change and air pollution are not abstract problems that will happen sometime in the future—they’re happening now. "One of the clearest ways we see it is through air pollution, warmer temperatures, wildfires, and industrial emissions. All these things are making the air more toxic, and the people suffering the most aren’t the ones contributing the most to climate change."

Ella’s story is a tragic wake-up call, but it’s also a story of resilience. Her mother’s fight for justice led to a significant change in how we view air pollution and its impact on health. But we need to do more. In the podcast, I urge my listeners, "We need to address air pollution at a systemic level—policies that enforce clean air standards, urban planning that prioritizes green spaces, and holding industries accountable for their emissions."

You can learn more about Ella's story and the groundbreaking inquest that linked her death to air pollution by visiting Ella Roberta Family Foundation’s website.

And if you want to dive deeper into the conversation about how climate change impacts our health, check out the episode I did with Marisol here: The Health Impacts of Climate Change.

As we continue to advocate for clean air and healthier communities, let Ella’s story be a reminder of the real, human cost of inaction.

This article is a call to action for all of us. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a public health crisis. We need to do our part to ensure that no other child suffers the way Ella did because of the air they breathe.

Stay informed, stay active, and most importantly, stay hopeful. Together, we can make a difference.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is right around the corner, and this cause is especially close to my heart. Many of you know my mother’s story—it’s one of the reasons The Healthy Project exists today. In honor of her journey and the support of those still fighting, we’ve created a special Power in Pink Awareness Tee.

All profits will go to a great cause supporting breast cancer awareness and research. To support this important cause, you can purchase a shirt by clicking the button below.

Thank you for being part of this amazing community—together, we can make real change!

My City My Health Conference Alert!

The My City My Health Conference is getting closer! If you haven’t got your tickets yet, now’s the time. Head over to www.mycity.health and secure your spot before it’s too late! Don't miss out on one of the most impactful events of the year!

Until Next Time…

Got any thoughts on this episode? Hit reply and let me know. And if you enjoyed this, don’t keep it to yourself—forward it to a friend who could use a fresh take on health equity!

Be well,
Corey Dion Lewis
The Healthy Project