Burning fossil fuels is causing a global health crisis

What can we do?

The good news is that air pollution can be addressed, and quickly.

Research shows the vast majority of the UK can reach the WHO’s recommended guidelines for air pollution by 2030.

Our programme tests ways to equitably improve air quality. After just two years, we’ve learnt that there are simple ways for businesses, communities, and policymakers to improve air quality.

Action from businesses

Approximately one third of polluting emissions come from industrial and commercial sources in London, like construction and transport sectors.

Changing the way goods move around our cities is a win-win. We work with businesses to facilitate the switch from traditional freight, like vans, to cargo bikes, which are more efficient for businesses and reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. We’re also exploring how we can better use rail and the river, and support businesses to consolidate deliveries to reduce the number of polluting vans on our streets.

The construction industry contributes significantly to emissions and is ripe for change. We’ve worked with the Centre for Low Emission Construction to show industry would welcome regulation to reduce polluting emissions. Our report includes several practical recommendations to reduce pollution from construction sites – including how to use technology to better monitor emissions.

This action can complement work on climate change. We’ve partnered with environmental consultancy Ricardo to encourage businesses to measure their air quality footprint alongside their greenhouse gas emissions. The business case is clear: a DEFRA study found that small and medium-sized enterprises that manage their environmental impact generally save money.

Acting with grassroots organisations

Alongside business action, we firmly believe that those disproportionately affected by poor air quality must be heard in debates about equitable solutions. We’re working with fantastic grassroots organisations, like Mums for Lungs, to raise awareness of air pollution among those most affected and to give people a chance to take action.

And we recently supported Love Ssega, a local activist and musician, to front a campaign aimed at raising awareness among disproportionately affected communities in South London.

Action from government

We know how to improve air quality, and the UK can lead the way. Research from CBI Economics shows major benefits to improving air quality, including a £1.6 billion annual benefit to the UK economy and three million working days gained per year. With economic inactivity due to ill-health skyrocketing, addressing the greatest environmental risk to health is the right investment for our health and for our economy.

A new government, and a possible impending election, offers an opportunity for this renewed focus. That can happen hand-in-hand with Net Zero ambitions, through prioritising active travel, or building on what we know has worked in the climate debate, such as setting ambitious emissions targets to catalyse action.

So as this issue places a vital focus on climate change, we ask you not to forget the visceral effects of pollution on people, as well as the planet. And we look forward to working with you to build a healthier, fairer environment

Case Study: Jemima Hartshorn Co-founder, Mums for Lungs

“Children have no choice about the pollution they breathe but are among the most vulnerable to the health effects of poor air quality.

At Mums for Lungs we campaign and take action to improve air quality. We make sure parents have the resources to demand clean air, particularly around schools. We speak at community events, put up posters, talk to media, run schools’ projects and provide resources and advice.

We hold politicians to account and campaigned during the London Mayoral and council elections to help politicians understand why they must prioritise clean air. We encourage our supporters to demand politicians deliver on legal limits for clean air, Clean Air Zones, and the phasing out of diesel and wood burning. Air pollution is a crisis across the country.

Wherever you are, whether you are a parent or not, you can join Mums for Lungs and help to campaign to improve air quality.”