Clean air action guide wins backing of city’s top climate emergency politician

A campaigning Newcastle climate group and the city’s top political climate champion have joined forces to promote a new anti-pollution guide, helping people protect their own health through simple everyday actions.

The Cleaner Air Guide, launched on UK Clean Air Day, June 15, has been produced by Climate Action Newcastle (CAN) and lists 30 ways we can improve the air around us.

It means people can try out the options that best suit their own circumstances; where they live and their lifestyle.

The list includes:

• how to check pollution levels for any Newcastle address
• reducing emissions from deliveries
• the effects of using wood burners
• reducing car emissions
• how to reduce engine idling (advice for drivers and passers-by).

CAN says the last advice topic on the list has proved so popular that a separate guide was made, with information on the law, and tackling myths and misunderstandings that sometimes lead drivers to idle their engines unnecessarily.

CAN Cleaner Air campaign organiser Olwyn Hocking said: “If we could see the high levels of pollution – like people used to see smog – we’d probably have tackled dangerous pollution far sooner.

“But at last there’s growing awareness that pollution is above legal and World Health Organisation limits in places. There are many ways we can all make a difference.”

The Cleaner Air Guide has been given the support of Coun Jane Byrne (Lab + Co-op), who is Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member responsible for responding to the climate crisis, whose portfolio includes clean air initiatives, such as the city’s new Clean Air Zone.

“We know that poor air quality affects people’s health and there are lots of things we can all do to reduce the risks caused by high levels of pollution,” she said.

“The new Cleaner Air Guide from Climate Action Newcastle is really useful, with 30 great suggestions and practical tips that can help everyone to make a difference through small changes, to things such as the way we travel, shop and heat our homes.

“Doing just one thing, from turning your car engine off when you’re parked up to choosing to walk or cycle or switching to a green home energy supplier, can all add up.

“I would encourage people to have a look at the guide and consider what changes they could make so that together we can make the air we breathe cleaner and healthier.”

Online users can download the 30 Ways to Cleaner Air and Idling guides from the Climate Action Newcastle website. People can also collect paper versions from campaign events and by getting in touch.