Climate Column: Why should we care about clean air?

Climate Column: Why should we care about clean air?

Thursday 19 June is Clean Air Day- a national awareness day, aiming to build awareness of air pollution and what we as individuals can do to help.

This month’s column looks a bit deeper at clean air, what it has to do with climate change, how it impacts different people, and a few ideas for how you can help.

So, what is air pollution?

The World Health Organisation says it is “the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.”

This can come from cars, industrial facilities, or wildfires, and can include nitrogen oxides, ‘particulate matter’, carbon monoxide and more.

Air pollution and climate change are two of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, and they are more interconnected than you might think.

Both are largely caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, and both have significant impacts on our health, ecosystems, and the planet as a whole.

Air pollution can also make climate change worse, with greenhouse gases not only polluting our air but also warming our planet by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

The negative effects of air pollution affect everyone, no matter their background, but it can affect people more than others. Children, older people and people with existing health conditions are disproportionately affected by air pollution.

Like many areas across the country, Greater Manchester has high levels of air pollution on some local roads and the investment-led Clean Air Plan aims to reduce air pollution, without charging drivers.

So what can we as individuals do to keep our air clean?

• Walk, wheel or cycle for local journeys like the school run.  Car exhaust fumes contribute to air pollution, so less cars on the road = less pollution.
• If you’re at a standstill, switch your car engine off.
• Drive efficiently- check your tyre pressure, and avoid accelerating and braking sharply if you can. This will reduce wear and tear, and the amount of fuel you use- saving money and reducing emissions.
• Travel smart- if you can, avoid rush hour. You’re less likely to be stuck in traffic, and be causing and be exposed to air pollution.
• Avoid unnecessary burning at home, for example if you have a wood stove or open fire.
• If you rely on wood for your heating, use 'ready to burn' materials (e.g. dry wood or approved manufactured solid fuels), and try to ensure that your appliance is eco-design accredited.