In mid-July 2023, the community of Maple Ridge, British Columbia was shaken by an unfathomable tragedy. Nine-year-old Carter Vigh died after an asthma attack exacerbated by smoke from local wildfires fueled by climate change. This tragic occurrence became the catalyst for an impassioned movement. Led by Carter’s parents, James and Amber Vigh, they are committed to educating others about the importance of air quality and its direct effect on one’s health. They started “Carter’s Project,” which aimed to teach kids and communities about air pollution. This partnership is a guarantee, making sure that Carter’s legacy continues to live on strong.
Carter’s death was a tragic reminder of the growing threat that unhealthy air quality poses, particularly during increasingly frequent wildfire seasons. His parents had always done right by his asthma, hammering home the personal lessons on how to treat your lungs with respect. Today, they tell their son’s story in an effort to make the abstract dangers of air pollution more concrete. This personalizes the issue even further, particularly to youth, who may identify with the tragedy of losing a classmate.
Amber Vigh has expressed her commitment to this cause, stating, “We’re going to be the change that’s going to bring this topic forward.” She’s passionate about making air quality more engaging and accessible to inspire the next generation. Together with other advocates, she is ready to help mobilize action on this important priority.
The Impact of Carter’s Project
Carter’s Project has come a long way since it got off the ground last June. The collaborative initiative provides local schools and communities with air quality monitors, air purifiers and educational resources. Its purpose is to better inform the public about the impacts of air pollution. To date, it has been able to distribute 20 outdoor monitors. Moreover, 200 indoor monitors have since been deployed, allowing students and residents alike to monitor their air quality in real time.
The B.C. Lung Foundation, a longtime partner of Carter’s Project, is at the heart of deploying this grassroots approach by leading community DIY air cleaner workshops. These workshops are designed to empower each person with the knowledge and tools they need to take action and make air quality better in their places and spaces. Chris Lam, an advocate affiliated with the project, notes the key role of getting young people involved in these conversations.
“Our goal with this project really is to empower people. Let people become scientists in their own community. Measure what’s in the air and they get to take action.” – Chris Lam
The feedback from the community has been nothing short of amazing. These show young people making a difference on the national stage. Seventeen-year-old Aishwarya Puttur from India is one such youth, inspired by her dream of designing a healthier world. Puttur’s participation is a testament to how powerful and inspiring Carter’s story has been for students. To many of them, Carter has become a peer, whose life was tragically cut short almost before it began.
Raising Awareness About Air Quality
The conversation around air quality has taken on a new urgency since Carter’s death. Melissa Lem, a family physician, emphasizes the need to talk about risks from wildfire smoke, while equipping the public with clear, actionable solutions. As she points out, chronic exposure to air pollution raises significant long-term health risks.
“I think we need a better understanding in general, that we need to be more careful at lower levels of air pollution.” – Melissa Lem
Amber Vigh sponsors this idea, calling for more education about air quality. She states, “We need to take the time and learn about air quality and how important it is.” She is now committed to educating others on the negative impacts that bad air quality can have. This issue is of heightened concern during wildfire season, something that has sadly become routine in many areas.
We understand these issues, and the government of B.C. is addressing them. They’ve invested more than $300 million to improve HVAC systems in schools. Through the Clean Air in Buildings Initiative, improving indoor air quality for students and staff has become an urgent priority.
Community Engagement and Continued Advocacy
Carter’s Project does more than educate people about air quality. It empowers them to engage with their communities. Carter’s story is an example of injustice. Friends of Carter, including Roland Latimer, spread the word about Carter’s story. They are local lenses pushing for greater awareness and understanding inside their communities.
“I didn’t know him, but he was a boy just like me.” – Roland Latimer
Latimer’s comment highlights the deep, worldwide bond that youth share when faced with the grim truth of a youth summit tragedy. The foundation’s initiative is intended to help make sure that Carter’s message keeps echoing well outside his home city.
Amber Vigh, one of the project leaders, expressed hopes that their collective work will prompt more support at all levels of government for tackling air quality challenges. She reflects on the potential for larger-scale changes: “These things could happen on a grander scale if the government would step in and help us but it’s pretty rewarding to know that we are making sure that it’s happening.”
