The government is currently asking local councils in England to submit proposals for financing from a £7 million fund in order to come up with creative solutions to raise local air quality.
The government’s Air Quality Grant assists councils in creating and putting into action policies that will benefit communities, companies, and schools while reducing the harmful effects of air pollution on human health.
The award will promote and aid initiatives aimed at both raising awareness of the health hazards and enhancing air quality.
Local governments from all throughout the nation may submit bids for a share of the fund for a variety of projects to enhance air quality and promote cleaner, healthier surroundings.
Three categories will be given priority in the selection process for grants this year:
Projects that focus on increasing public awareness and information about air quality, including steps people can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution, Projects that reduce air pollution where there are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceedances, Projects that focus on dealing with particulate matter, which is the pollutant most harmful to human health.
The Air Quality Grant programme has given more than £81 million to a range of creative enterprises since it was founded.
These have included the creation of a community website to disseminate information about the air quality and increase awareness among local residents and visitors, as well as a digital education package to teach kids and parents about the health effects of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.
The dramatic improvement in air quality seen in the UK over the past few decades was made possible by these initiatives and numerous others that were supported by the grant programme.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the airborne particles or liquid droplets that pose the greatest threat to public health, has decreased by 11% since 2010, while nitrogen oxide emissions have decreased by 32% and are now at their lowest level ever recorded.
Steve Double, the environment minister, said:
“Although air quality has greatly improved since 2010, we nonetheless know that it continues to pose the greatest environmental threat to public health.
“Due to this, we have opened applications for millions of pounds in additional funding for local authorities today so they can take the necessary steps to reduce air pollution and raise public awareness of air quality in their communities.
“Local authorities know their communities best, and we are eager to hear their ideas for creative initiatives that can lessen the negative effects of air pollution on their residents’ health.”
The grant’s application period begins on Tuesday, July 26 and ends on Friday, September 23.
The Air Quality Grant is a component of a larger UK strategy to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air along highways, which also involves a £3.5 billion investment in better air quality and greener transportation.
The strategy promotes the use of low-emission vehicles, increases cycling and walking rates, and promotes the use of more environmentally friendly public transportation.
To lower the level of harmful fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the most dangerous air pollutant for human health, we will introduce two new, ambitious air quality targets under our Environment Act later this year.
Additionally, the Act has made it simpler for local governments to exercise their existing authority to address local sources of air pollution as well as for the government to order car recalls when they do not comply with legal emission limits.
The government has also taken steps to reduce household fire pollution, which is a major source of particulate matter.
In May of last year, a prohibition on the selling of coal and wet wood for domestic use went into effect.