William Eichler 13 June 2022

‘Clean Air Net Zero’ approach could boost local areas by £1.6bn

‘Clean Air Net Zero’ approach could boost local areas by £1.6bn  image
Image: LanaElcova/Shutterstock.com.

Local and regional policymakers must consider the air quality impact of net zero policies to save billions of pounds and to avoid another ‘dieselgate scandal’, a new report has said.

The new study from UK100, a network of local and regional leaders committed to delivering net zero ahead of the Government's 2050 target and tackling air pollution, argues that net zero policies should include a clean air audit and vice versa.

Introducing the concept of ‘Clean Air Net Zero’ (CANZ), the report argues that not enough has been done to learn from the mistakes that led to dieselgate, where diesel vehicles were promoted across Europe as a climate-friendly option without regard to the increase in deadly air pollution emissions associated with diesel combustion.

The study recommended that local authorities adopt the ‘win-win’ CANZ approach by, for example, supporting a transport shift away from private car reliance.

UK100 calculated that such an approach would boost local and regional economies by £1.6bn a year.

Polly Billington, chief executive of UK100, said: ‘While it might feel like the scandal is firmly in our rearview mirrors, one of the most important lessons of "dieselgate" was that we cannot and must not divorce clean air and climate policies. Our new report demonstrates that acting on these issues together is easier than some might think.

‘With local authorities the best placed to deliver effective climate and clean air action, our report finds Clean Air Net Zero (CANZ) presents a series of win-win opportunities to support local and regional leaders to align the two agendas. From public transport to clean heating; from energy efficiency to farming, clean air and Net Zero goals are inexorably linked.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner