Uk's Fight Against Air Pollution: Strategies And Initiatives

The UK government has implemented various measures to tackle air pollution, which is a significant threat to public health and the environment. In 2019, the government launched the Clean Air Strategy, aiming to reduce emissions from a wide range of sources, including transport, domestic burning, and industry. The strategy includes plans to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by 2040, incentivise the purchase of electric vehicles, and ensure the availability of only the cleanest fuels and stoves. The government has also committed to reducing people's exposure to particulate matter and improving air quality through local initiatives and international partnerships. Additionally, the UK has endorsed agreements to reduce black carbon emissions and methane emissions, demonstrating its commitment to combating air pollution on a global scale.

The UK government's Clean Air Strategy

The UK government launched its Clean Air Strategy in 2019. The strategy outlines the government's plans for tackling sources of air pollution, which is considered one of the biggest threats to public health in the UK. While air quality has improved in recent years, air pollution continues to harm people's health, shorten lives, and reduce the quality of life.

The Clean Air Strategy addresses a wide range of emission sources, with a focus on transport, which is a major contributor to air pollution. The UK has committed to ending the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars and vans from 2040, encouraging the transition to electric vehicles. This includes initiatives such as Plug-In Car Grants, incentives for cleaner heavy goods vehicles, and funding for low-emission buses.

The UK is also tackling emissions from other sources, such as domestic burning on stoves and open fires, which is now the single biggest source of particulate matter emissions. The Clean Air Strategy includes introducing legislation to prohibit the sale of the most polluting fuels and ensuring that only the cleanest stoves are available by 2022. Local authorities are also given responsibilities for local air quality management, including regular reviews, annual reports, and action plans.

Additionally, the UK is committed to reducing particulate matter (PM), identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most damaging pollutant. The government aims to halve the number of people living in areas with PM levels breaching WHO guidelines by 2025. The UK has also endorsed the Marrakech Communiqué, committing to reduce black carbon emissions through cleaner diesel fuels and vehicles.

The UK is a leader in global efforts to combat air pollution, partnering with initiatives like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the Global Methane Initiative. These partnerships aim to accelerate the transition to clean energy, reduce super pollutants, and improve air quality worldwide.

Reducing transport emissions

The UK government has implemented various measures to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality.

In 2019, the government launched the Clean Air Strategy, which aims to reduce emissions from a wide range of sources, including transport. As part of this strategy, the UK has committed to ending the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040, encouraging the transition to electric vehicles. This commitment goes beyond the actions of most other European nations.

To further incentivize the use of electric vehicles, the UK introduced Plug-In Car Grants, extended until 2022-2023. Additionally, a £345 million Environment and Wellbeing fund was established as part of the Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2) to improve environmental outcomes, including air quality. The Department of Transport also added £40 million to the existing £100 million fund supporting low-emission buses and the Clean Bus Technology Fund.

The UK has also taken steps to discourage the use of high-emission vehicles. Since 2014, heavy goods vehicles above 12 tonnes gross weight are required to pay a HGV Road User Levy, with vehicles not meeting the Euro VI emissions standards paying 20% more. The Transforming Cities Fund was also created in 2018 to address congestion and improve public transport in major cities, reducing the need for private car usage.

To address air pollution at the local level, the UK government has empowered local authorities to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas. Councils with clean air zones are expected to restrict access to older, more polluting vehicles, such as buses, coaches, taxis, and lorries, by implementing charging zones or stricter licensing requirements.

While these measures primarily focus on reducing emissions from road transport, the UK has also supported international efforts to reduce aviation emissions. The UK endorsed the Marrakech Communiqué in 2016, committing to reduce black carbon emissions through cleaner diesel fuels and vehicles.

Overall, the UK is taking significant steps to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality through a combination of incentives, regulations, and investments in cleaner technologies.

Improving air quality with local councils

The UK government launched its Clean Air Strategy in 2019, which outlines plans to address sources of air pollution. Local authorities play a crucial role in improving air quality at the local level. Each local authority is responsible for regularly reviewing and assessing the air quality in their area, producing annual reviews, and developing action plans to enhance or maintain air quality.

To support local councils in their efforts, the government has committed significant funding. For example, the Department of Transport added £40 million to the £100 million fund for low-emission buses and the Clean Bus Technology Fund in 2018. Additionally, the Transforming Cities Fund was established in the same year to tackle congestion and enhance public transport in major cities.

Local councils with clean air zones are empowered to restrict access to older, more polluting vehicles, such as buses, coaches, taxis, and lorries, particularly those emitting high levels of gases like nitrogen dioxide. Birmingham and Leeds have taken this a step further by extending these restrictions to polluting vans, implementing charging zones for commercial vehicles with high emissions, and introducing stricter licensing requirements for taxis and buses.

In partnership with UK Research and Investment (UKRI), the government has also launched a £19.6 million joint research programme to promote the development and adoption of cleaner technologies. This investment in innovation is a key aspect of the UK's strategy to improve air quality.

Furthermore, local councils can encourage behavioural changes among residents to reduce air pollution. This includes initiatives to promote walking and cycling, such as Sustrans' 20-minute neighbourhoods and Brum Breathes projects, which aim to reduce congestion and, in turn, air pollution. Local authorities can also encourage car-sharing schemes and the use of electric vehicles through incentives like the Plug-In Car Grants, extended until 2022-2023.

Investing in low-carbon innovation

The UK government has launched its Clean Air Strategy, which outlines plans to address various sources of air pollution. As part of this strategy, the government is investing in low-carbon innovation to promote the development and adoption of cleaner technologies.

In partnership with UK Research and Investment (UKRI), the government has committed £19.6 million to a joint research programme aimed at fostering innovation in clean technology. This investment reflects the UK's commitment to seizing the opportunities presented by the global shift towards clean growth.

The UK has also been a leader in supporting international efforts to reduce super pollutants. For example, the UK has been a member of the Global Methane Initiative since 2004 and has project sites across the country aimed at reducing methane emissions and utilising them as a renewable energy source.

Additionally, the UK has endorsed various international agreements and commitments, such as the CCAC's Marrakech Communiqué, in which partners pledge to reduce black carbon emissions through cleaner diesel fuels and vehicles. The UK was also one of the first countries to ratify the Kigali Amendment and endorse the Biarritz Pledge, demonstrating its dedication to improving energy efficiency in the cooling sector.

Furthermore, the UK government has allocated funds to support low-emission transportation initiatives. The Department of Transport added £40 million to the £100 million fund for low-emission buses and the Clean Bus Technology Fund. The Plug-In Car Grants were also extended to incentivise the purchase of electric vehicles. These initiatives demonstrate the UK's commitment to reducing transport-related air pollution and encouraging the adoption of cleaner alternatives.

The UK's investment in low-carbon innovation is a crucial aspect of its strategy to tackle air pollution and improve the health and well-being of its citizens. By supporting the development and implementation of cleaner technologies, the UK is taking proactive steps towards creating a more sustainable and healthier future for its population.

Joining international coalitions

The UK has been an active participant in several international coalitions and agreements aimed at reducing air pollution and improving air quality. Here are some key examples:

Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)

The UK is a partner in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, a global effort to reduce super pollutants and accelerate the transition to clean energy. As part of its commitment to the CCAC, the UK has endorsed various initiatives, such as the Marrakech Communiqué, which focuses on reducing black carbon emissions through cleaner diesel fuels and vehicles. The UK has also co-led the CCAC alongside Brazil, showcasing its leadership and dedication to improving air quality worldwide.

Kigali Amendment and the Biarritz Pledge

The UK was one of the first countries to ratify the Kigali Amendment, an international agreement aimed at reducing the production and usage of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Additionally, the UK endorsed the Biarritz Pledge, committing to improving energy efficiency in the cooling sector, which is often reliant on HFCs.

Global Methane Initiative (GMI)

Since 2004, the UK has been a member of the Global Methane Initiative, a partnership focused on reducing methane emissions and promoting methane as a clean energy source. The UK has several GMI project sites across the country, contributing to global efforts to mitigate methane emissions and their impact on air quality.

COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health

The UK endorsed the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, recognizing the urgent need to take action on air pollution. This declaration highlights the UK's commitment to addressing the health impacts of air pollution and improving overall air quality, in line with global efforts.

UNEA Resolution 6/10

The UK supports UNEA Resolution 6/10, which promotes regional cooperation on air pollution to improve air quality globally. By endorsing this resolution, the UK demonstrates its willingness to collaborate with other regions and share best practices to tackle air pollution effectively.

Through its involvement in these international coalitions and agreements, the UK demonstrates its commitment to addressing air pollution not only domestically but also on a global scale. By working together with other countries and organizations, the UK can contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategies to improve air quality worldwide.

Frequently asked questions