A giant, nearly four-metres tall white bear will travel across Nepal accompanied by a group of young climate activists on a drive to raise awareness about air pollution in Nepal, said Save the Children Nepal, an agency that aims to help Nepali children living in poverty.

“To mark Earth Day, Save the Children in Nepal introduced ‘Saathi’ the ‘Air Bear’ who will travel to different parts of the country over the next six months,” the organisation said in a statement on Sunday. “The bear’s fur will gradually get darker to highlight the impact of air pollution.”

‘Saathi’ will travel around the country in an Electric Vehicle, discussing the impact of air pollution and climate change with policymakers, influential stakeholders, and children and youth, the statement further said. The campaign aims to show the impact of air pollution on the environment and the health of children ahead of this year’s G20 in India in October and the COP28 climate change summit in Dubai, organisers said.

“Saathi the ‘Air Bear’ is a symbol of the impact of air pollution on our children's health and future,” Heather Campbell, the organisation’s country director for Nepal, said. “We hope this campaign will encourage duty bearers, policymakers, and influential stakeholders in Nepal to take action to address this urgent issue and create a better future for our children.”