At a parliamentary reception yesterday (1 March), the two organisations signed a document in which they pledge to work together to: demonstrate how the climate change and air quality communities are working together; to highlight those climate change policies that are also cutting air pollution; and to explore how coordinated activity can bring better or faster results.
Road transport is responsible for almost 20% of the UK’s total emissions of CO2 and most of the critical emissions (particulates and NOx). The UK is legally obligated under the Climate Change Act and European regulations to reduce emissions of both types.
Andy Eastlake, LowCVP’s managing director, says: “The LowCVP has been working throughout to make sure that the climate initiatives in which we’re involved also make a positive contribution to air quality, but forging closer relationships and working in an even broader partnership can only help both of our agendas.
“We look forward to collaborating with representatives of the air quality community and will be looking for practical ways to embed consideration of air pollution into all our processes.”
Dan Byles, chair of the Clean Air Alliance, adds: “The science shows that if air pollution is addressed, there will generally also be a significant decrease in climate carbon emissions.
“It’s vital that this exciting partnership between the Clean Air Alliance and the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership helps the air quality and climate change communities work more closely together to better understand the links between them and the benefits of addressing the two issues together.”