Issue - meetings

By Councillor Macinnes – Clean Air Day

“Council:

Acknowledges that every year air pollution causes?an estimated?36,000?deaths in the UK and that in Edinburgh there are around 200 deaths each year attributable to fine particulate matter.??The World Health Organisation, the UK Government, Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council all recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today, with a particularly significant impact on children’s health.

Agrees that transport is a significant contributor to air pollution in Edinburgh.

Supports Clean Air Day , which is supported by Environmental Protection Scotland and Global Action Plan, on 17 June 2021 and encourages people to leave the car at home and to walk, cycle or take public transport if they are travelling to work or school, or work from home.

Recognises that choosing to walk, cycle or wheel or to use public transport is a highly effective way that individuals can actively contribute to improving Edinburgh’s air quality.

Suggests that residents on clean air day:

1)         Avoid non-essential, polluting deliveries – instead, choose cargo bike deliveries, bundle orders, choose ‘click and collect,’ or shop locally.

2)         Don't idle – if people choose to drive, they should turn off their engine whenever the vehicle is stationary, particularly outside schools.

3)         If people are intending to purchase a car please consider if a combination of sustainable transport choices, including electric bikes, public transport and shared car clubs, could substitute effectively for a car, or whether an electric car, particularly important for those with mobility issues, could be a better choice.

Is committed to improving air quality and encouraging better health and well-being through public transport, active travel and investment in electric vehicle infrastructure as part of a green recovery from COVID-19, and in tackling the climate emergency.

Asks that to mark Clean Air Day the Council uses evidence-based arguments on its social media channels to:

1)         Improve public understanding of air pollution and its sources.

2)         Build awareness of how air pollution affects our health.

3)         Explain the easy actions we can all take to tackle air pollution on Clean Air Day and in the longer term, and thereby help to protect the environment, and our health and that of others.”