luftfragt

Luftfragt is a neologism used to describe a mode of inquiry focused on air and the social, political, and ethical dimensions of the atmosphere. The term blends the German words luft (air) and fragt, a form of fragen (to ask or question). It is not a standard term in meteorology, environmental science, or philosophy, and as such it appears mainly in niche discussions, thought experiments, or speculative writing.

Concept and scope: Luftfragt denotes both a phenomenon and a practice of asking critical questions about the air we breathe. It emphasizes unseen or under-examined aspects of the atmosphere, such as micro-pollutants, ventilation and indoor air quality, aerosol dynamics, and the distribution of exposure. In discourse, the concept functions as a heuristic to reveal how power, policy, urban design, and economic interests shape who experiences clean air and who bears pollution burdens.

Applications and usage: In environmental humanities and urban studies, luftfragt is used to frame questions about air governance, equity, and legitimacy of air-related decisions. It supports interdisciplinary dialogue among scientists, policymakers, sociologists, and activists by foregrounding linguistic, cultural, and ethical dimensions of air quality. Some writers treat luftfragt as a flexible conceptual tool rather than a fixed theory, enabling discussions that connect science communication with social justice and governance.

Related terms: air quality, environmental justice, discourse analysis, philosophy of science, environmental humanities.