Council hear of global initiatives needed to tackle air quality

Speaker from C40 Cities global air quality improvement network addresses members as part of Newham Council’s commitment to reducing vehicle emissions.

Newham Full Council meeting this week (Monday 14 December) heard a clear message on the urgency to take action to improve air quality.

Dolly Oladini addressed the meeting, representing C40 Cities, a leading global network of the world’s megacities committed to tackling climate change. The invitation to speak comes from the Council’s commitment to address air pollution and the Climate Emergency; further developing policies and approaches to reducing emissions, including vehicle emissions.

Dolly Oladini, C40 Cities Air Quality Network Manager, told the meeting, “The 2020s are truly the make-or-break decade for climate action. And the single biggest test of any government's climate commitment right now is to ensure a green and just recovery from the pandemic.

"London's continued commitment to tackle the climate crisis through its ambitious climate action plan and Ultra-Low Emission Zone demonstrates that bold action can accelerate equitable solutions and improve air quality for the residents and communities that need it most.”

In particular the meeting heard how issues of poverty and inequality exacerbate the negative impact of toxic air on black and ethnic minority communities.

Dolly Oladini said: "Air quality and public health inextricably intersect with environmental justice as BAME communities, especially those on low incomes, are disproportionately exposed to air pollution in London and several other cities around the world.”

Dolly Oladini further highlighted how the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme –which forms part of the London Environment Strategy – particularly benefits citizens living in the capital’s most deprived areas. The scheme has contributed to a 44% reduction in NO2 and its local expansion 2021 will bring air quality and health benefits for Newham residents.

A recent GLA report shows that the London Environment Strategy will reduce inequities in air pollution exposure by 85% by 2030.

Newham has the worst air pollution in the country, a report last year by the British Heart Foundation showed that living in the borough was the equivalent of smoking 159 cigarettes a year. Public Health England figures show that 96 deaths every year in Newham are linked to poor air quality.

Newham Council is introducing a package of measures locally, as part of its efforts to tackle poor air quality, which include emissions-based parking permits, low traffic neighbourhoods, healthy school street schemes and greater infrastructure to encourage cycling walking and give people more choice in how they travel.

Newham’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Sustainable Transport, Councillor James Asser, welcomed the discussion, and added: “Clean air is a fundamental human right. Long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects including development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

“Over the past 18 months Newham Council has taken robust and transformative action to improve our air quality and the health of the borough and we will continue to do so.

“Drastic action on improving air quality will remain central to the council’s approach across a range of transport, planning and development strategies.”
Newham Council declared a climate and health emergency in April, 2019 and developed an Air Quality Action Plan adopted in November, 2019, setting out the council’s ambitious targets over the next five years.

Published: 16 Dec 2020