ENVIRONMENT

Failure to act on tackling air pollution would be deadly

With more than one in 19 deaths in UK cities and large towns caused by toxic air, the UK Government needs to take action urgently, says Andrew Carter. There are also steps that city leaders can take to improve the air of their constituents, he adds.

The climate crisis has risen to the top of the political agenda; 65% of all 353 local authorities and eight combined authorities have declared climate emergencies. This is commendable, but the reality is that there is little councils can do about a crisis that requires international action.

One way they can improve people's lives is by combating air pollution. A Centre for Cities study found recently that more than one in 19 deaths in UK cities and large towns are caused by toxic air – that makes you 25 times more likely to be killed by pollution than in a car crash.

Andrew Carter

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