Pupils, City Council Plant Tree for Clean Air Day

CATHEDRAL CITY — California has made considerable improvements to the air quality in the state since the Clean Air Act passed in 1970.

However, due to being the most populated state and its continued reliance on fossil fuels, California’s major cities, including the Coachella Valley continue to have days that exceed safe air quality standards.

In order to a raise awareness about how each of us can do our part to lower greenhouse gases through a variety of efforts, the Cathedral City City Council partnered with the first-grade class at Cathedral City Elementary School for the 2019 California Clean Air Day.

Mayor Mark Carnevale, Councilmember Rita Lamb, and the children planted a tree at the elementary school on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

In addition, the children presented pictures of trees from their California Clean Air Day art project to Mayor Carnevale themed to the important day.  The art pieces collected will be showcased later at City Hall.

Trees play a pivotal role in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) gases that lead to global warming through the natural process of photosynthesis.  Trees absorb CO2 and other pollutant particulates and release pure oxygen back into our atmosphere.  By planting a tree and educating children about the importance of trees in our environment, we can help reverse global warming, improve the community’s health, and breathe much easier.

Watch the mayor interact with the children and discuss the importance of clear air.

Clean Air Day was celebrated throughout California on Oct. 2.

California Clean Air Day is built on the idea that shared experiences unite people to action to improve our community health. By joining together for a unified day of action we can create new habits to clear the air for all members of California’s diverse communities, according to its website.

California Clean Air Day is a project of the Coalition for Clean Air.

Former Mayor Gregory S. Pettis unveiled a tree initiative in the community so planting a tree was not a one-day exercise.