Air Quality: Context and Case Studies

Air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the UK today, with significant consequences for public health, ecosystems, and the economy. Poor air quality has been linked to thousands of premature deaths each year, with long-term exposure increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that air pollution is linked to one in 19 deaths in the UK, 25 times more than traffic accidents. In urban areas, pollution hotspots can lead to particularly high concentrations of harmful substances, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, and exacerbating existing inequalities for deprived communities.

Local authorities play a crucial role in addressing air pollution, as they are responsible for managing air quality within their area and implementing measures that directly impact residents. While national policies and regulations set broad targets, it is local councils that put these into practice, ensuring that air quality improvements are felt at a community level.

This document outlines the current state of air quality and the policies in place to address air pollution in the UK. It also presents a series of case studies showcasing best practices implemented by other councils.

This document is available to APSE Energy members without charge. All energy members will have received the password. Please contact Charley Burke at [email protected] if you'd like to be resent the password.

For further information about APSE Energy, please contact Phil Brennan, Head of APSE Energy on 0161 772 1810 or at [email protected] or James Jefferson, Principal Advisor at [email protected]

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