Emissions from distant and local sources can build up into high local concentrations of pollution. Pollutants can travel long distances and combine with each other to create different pollutants. Chapter 1: Understanding the problemĪir pollution comes from many sources. These will support the creation of Clean Air Zones to lower emissions from all sources of air pollution, backed up with clear enforcement mechanisms.
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This will be underpinned by new England-wide powers to control major sources of air pollution, in line with the risk they pose to public health and the environment, plus new local powers to take action in areas with an air pollution problem. New legislation will create a stronger and more coherent framework for action to tackle air pollution. This strategy sets out the comprehensive action that is required from across all parts of government and society to meet these goals. We are now also proposing tough new goals to cut public exposure to particulate matter pollution, as recommended by the World Health Organization. We have already adopted ambitious, legally-binding international targets to reduce emissions of five of the most damaging air pollutants (fine particulate matter, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, non-methane volatile organic compounds) by 20. As these major sources of emissions have decreased, the relative contribution of smaller and more diffuse sources of air pollution, like smaller industrial sites, product use, open fires in homes and spreading manure on farms, has increased. In the past, the priority was to tackle the biggest individual sources of pollution. Better, cleaner technologies and simple changes in behaviour will tackle the pollution that claims lives.
Air pollution is a result of the way we currently generate power, heat our homes, produce food, manufacture consumer goods and power transport. But vehicles are not the only source of harmful emissions. We have already acted to reduce concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) around roads from cars. Government must act to tackle air pollution which shortens lives. It also harms the natural environment, affecting our waterways, biodiversity and crop yields.Ĭlean air is essential for life, health, the environment and the economy. However, exposure to the pollution still present in our atmosphere is one the UK’s biggest public health challenges, shortening lifespans and damaging quality of life for many people. Since the middle of the 20th century we have addressed many of the worst impacts of air pollution through regulatory frameworks, investment by industry in cleaner processes and a shift in the fuel mix towards cleaner forms of energy.
It complements three other UK government strategies, the:
The final strategy sets out these proposals in detail and also indicates how devolved administrations intend to make their share of emissions reductions. A document summarising the responses to the consultation is published alongside the strategy. There was also a range of constructive feedback and challenge that has enabled us to improve and extend our ambition even further in certain key areas. This document builds on an extensive consultation process which indicated broad-based support for many of the actions we are proposing. This Clean Air Strategy shows how we will tackle all sources of air pollution, making our air healthier to breathe, protecting nature and boosting the economy.