Carla Johnson grew up on a farm in small-town Alabama. After an untreated bout of pneumonia in her 20s, Carla’s lungs didn’t heal properly, leaving scarring behind. Now she suffers from a lung condition called bronchiectasis, which makes it difficult for her to be outdoors — especially

Jonathan and Jana Green live and work in Birmingham, Ala. with their two children. Jana grew up in Goldwater, Ala. and later attended Samford University. Jonathan went to law school Samford, where the two would eventually meet. Their children both have asthma, a medical condition that is made worse by

Rev. Mark Johnston is a priest in the Episcopal Church and executive director of Camp McDowell. He helped found GASP and is the current board chair.

Rev. Johnston has long been an advocate for clean air, health and the environment, actively pursuing social justice issues in Alabama. In Winston County

Rob Burton grew up outside New York City, an area known for its poor air quality. Rob also has Cystic Fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder that affects lung function.

When he moved to Birmingham, Ala., to be closer to family, he investigated the air quality compared

Edward Bowser is a community engagement specialist with the Alabama Media Group. In his column on al.com, he writes regularly about “agents of change” — folks who are doing work to make the Magic City a healthier, nicer and more compelling place to live. In his role as a voice