Background
Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest campaign against air pollution, began on 15th June 2017. Led by the environmental charity Global Action Plan, the initiative aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution and encourage actions to reduce it. The first edition was comprised of over 200 events across the UK, involving local community groups, schools, NHS trusts, health charities, local authorities, businesses, and individuals. The day generated significant media attention and highlighted the public’s interest in tackling air pollution and improving air quality. Since 2017, Clean Air Day has become an annual event taking place on the 3rd Thursday of June.
Growing Impact
Each year, the event brings together thousands of people from various sectors to advocate for cleaner air. The campaign has successfully raised public awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution, which include respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even premature death. It has also highlighted the disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly. The campaign has played a significant role in influencing government policies on air quality, leading to the implementation of stricter air quality standards and the introduction of measures to reduce emissions from vehicles and industrial sources. Clean Air Day has successfully engaged the public in various activities, such as car-free days, educational workshops, and community clean-up events.
Planned Activities for 2025
The activities planned for Clean Air Day 2025 are designed to engage a wide range of participants and create a significant impact in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.
One of the main activities is the Health Walk and Wheel, where participants are encouraged meet outside hospitals across UK cities and walk or wheel to their local decision maker’s office (e.g. MP) to hand in a letter with a set of policy asks for the government on clean air. This activity aims to highlight the health impacts of air pollution and advocate for more ambitious air quality targets.
A wide number of online activities will take place on the Clean Air Day website, where you can also find out more information and download free resources.
Air legislation on LUS (Subscribers Only)
If you want to stay up to date with changes to legislation covering air pollution, the Legislation Update Service provides you with legislation summaries, including recent amendments.
Examples of legislation on air pollution include:
