Why air pollution?
With at least 40,000 premature deaths each year in the UK due to air pollution, toxic air is a known contributor to cancer, heart disease, strokes and asthma. Killing more people annually than smoking, poor air quality costs society, businesses and our NHS services more than £15 billion a year.
Why now?
At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, daily global CO2 emissions dropped by a remarkable 17%, with 17 million tonnes less CO2 emitted every day. At a time where we are more aware than ever of the importance of respiratory health, The Camden Clean Air Initiative recognises this opportunity for change and refuses to return to the way we were living pre-lockdown. We aim to use this societal reset and address the scale of the air pollution crisis in London, creating a healthier, sustainable future.
Why Camden?
In 2008, as the first London borough to formally adopt World Health Organisation air quality guidelines, Camden was ready for change. However, particulate matter in Camden is still above WHO guidelines, so there is still work to be done. Camden is known for its rebellious streak and power to create change, and we will continue to lead by example with the support of our passionate, progressive community.