Air quality
NLGN study highlights concerns over air quality
Unitaries are much less likely than Metropolitan councils and London boroughs to consider taking action on air quality as ‘extremely or very important’, the latest quarterly NLGN leadership index survey has found.
How to make a citizens’ assembly work for you
Want to commission a citizens’ assembly? Here, three councils say ‘go for it’. But there’s a lot to think about – and above all, you need the right issue say Sarah Owens, Isobel Wade and James Moody.
Delivering cleaner air in Wigan
Wigan MBC has appointed its first air quality officer. Matthew O’Neill says his appointment is the latest in a long list of efforts made by the council as it aspires to be carbon neutral by 2038 or sooner.
Wiltshire leads the way in the climate challenge
Friends of the Earth put Wiltshire at the top of the list of most climate-friendly areas in England. Alistair Cunningham outlines how the council will set about achieving its aim for council and county to be carbon neutral by 2030.
It’s time to clean up our act
With more than 230 local climate emergencies declared nationwide, it’s time for our local and combined authorities to take action for decarbonisation and sustainable clean growth, writes Jonathan Werran.
The positive domino effects of emissions-based parking schemes
Peter O’Driscoll argues that emissions-based parking delivers cleaner and healthier cities.
We can change behaviours, hearts and minds on the climate emergency
There are great examples of the good work on climate friendliness by County Councils' Network member authorities, says Cllr Sam Corcoran - but there will be a limit to what can be done unless local government is properly funded.
Queen's speech: Councils promised new powers to tackle pollution
The Queen’s Speech promised an Environment Bill which will establish a ‘world-leading’ independent regulator, the Office for Environmental Protection, and hand some new powers to councils.
Pledging to make air pollution a national priority
Ahead of next month's London Councils Summit, Cllr Julian Bell explains how the capital's local government is leading the way by raising awareness of air pollution, and tackling it with innovative projects.
Spend 2.5% of UK’s GDP on tackling climate change and air quality, say London’s environment and public health directors
This Sunday, 22 September, is car free day. Stephen Evans and Dr Tamara Djuretic highlight London’s focus on policy solutions such as restricted and emissions-based parking, low emissions zones and better walking and cycling infrastructure.
How 5G Will Make Cities Smarter
Local authority funding has dropped by 21% in the last decade. Head of BT surveillance argues Brian Jackson argues that rescue could come in part from the arrival of 5G
A stitch in time
English cities are trying to deal with the impact of austerity, says Tony Kirkham. But he concludes that 'applying the old proverb "a stitch in time, saves nine" may prove wise and extremely valuable'.
We need to invest in community action to deliver on environmental promises
Graham Duxbury says Michael Gove’s recent speech on the Environment Bill missed out the education, infrastructure and peer pressure that’s needed to make change happen.
Street smart
Hackney LBC is rolling out School Streets – a ban on traffic outside schools around pick-up and drop-off times – and has designed a free toolkit to help other councils through the process of introducing the policy. Kim Wright explains.
Clearing the air – a moral duty
Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram outlines the action the combined authority is taking to improve air quality and address the threat posed by climate change.
Coventry ordered to implement clean air zone
Coventry City Council has accused the Government of using ‘heavy handed’ tactics after it was ordered to implement a clean air zone.