Clear the air in 2022 to make the UK healthier and fairer

It’s unacceptable that a person’s circumstances and background determine the quality of the air they breathe. But the truth is we’ve sleepwalked into a situation where the burden of poisonous air is felt by those whose health is most susceptible. Children, older people, people with health conditions, and people in lower-income communities are all more vulnerable.

Therefore, if Government intends to tackle disparities and improve public health following the pandemic, it must prioritise air quality in its levelling up agenda.

Improving air quality for everyone

All health interventions need to start with a simple action: listening. When considering new legal limits for air pollution in spring, Government must reach out to people whose lives are affected by poor air quality.

We’ve been amplifying those voices, supporting the Clear the Air campaign with our partners Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation. Later this year, those affected by air pollution will join us at an event in Parliament. Most importantly, we’ll be sharing their stories as targets are set.

There are no safe levels of air pollution. However, by setting more ambitious air quality targets, policymakers can improve lives by:

• Preventing 17,000 premature deaths from respiratory diseases per year
• Saving three million working days by reducing sickness
• Adding £1.6 billion per year to the economy.

Following target-setting for the Environment Act, Government will review the 2019 Clean Air Strategy. This can further define the action needed to reduce pollution.

Making the UK a fairer place

In sum: policymakers must ensure that a transition to a low-emission society works for lower-income communities and addresses health inequalities. For example, public transport must be accessible and affordable for everyone.

Government can improve air quality equitably, in ways that have wider benefits for health and the economy. Firstly, by listening to the people who are most affected. Secondly, by expanding clean air zones, and thirdly, by improving funding for active travel. This year, there is a unique opportunity to put those ideas into practice and make the UK a healthier, fairer place.