Manchester Friends of the Earth is inviting people to an open meeting this Tuesday (8th September) to find out more about Greater Manchester's air pollution, its impact on health and how air quality can be improved.
According to the latest AGMA report, Salford has the second highest `per capita' emissions in Greater Manchester, after Trafford, while a Salford Council report last year stated that air pollution is killing Salford people, with long term exposure mortality rates published by Public Health England showing the highest percentages in Greater Manchester (see previous Salford Star article – click here).
Across Greater Manchester, the statistics translate to over one thousand premature deaths each year, with the majority of air pollution coming from road transport. Meanwhile, the UK has failed to meet the 2015 European air quality deadline and most urban regions, including Greater Manchester, will not comply with the EU Air Quality Directive until 2020. In April, the Supreme Court ordered the UK Government to develop a new plan to urgently tackle illegal levels of air pollution (see here).
"Air pollution kills tens of thousands of people prematurely each year in the UK, and puts extra strain on our beleaguered NHS" says Manchester Friends of the Earth campaigner, Colette Humphrey "It's time to tackle the main cause of this pollution, which is too much dirty traffic, by getting more people on to bikes, buses and trains and encouraging cleaner vehicles."
Speakers at the public meeting will include Matthew O'Neill, Lead Air Quality Officer at Transport for Greater Manchester who will be presenting details of the soon to be published GM Low Emissions Strategy; and Andrea Lee, who will be talking about the national Healthy Air campaign, the Supreme Court case and the soon-to-be announced national air quality consultation.
Breathing It In
Tuesday 8th September 7pm
Green Fish Resource Centre
46-50 Oldham Street
Manchester M4 1LE
For further details see Mcr FOE website – click here
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