It’s been widely reported* that leaders of cities across the UK are calling for action by the government to provide a £1.5bn fund to remove polluting vehicles from the streets. Proposed by London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, working alongside UK 100, a network of local government leaders, they hope to shift the nation to 100 per cent clean energy by 2050.
And it’s not just the obvious problems people are facing with asthma and other breathing related disorders, The Guardian** reported that “children who lived in areas with higher air pollution when younger are significantly more likely to have developed major depression by the age of 18, according to research”. With young people “three to four times more likely to have depression at 18 if they had been exposed to dirtier air at age 12”.
Polly Billington, director of UK100, states "Air pollution is a national health crisis," and that "Government should work in partnership with local leaders by providing new powers and adequate funding: that will make a real difference to drive urgent and effective action”.
"Many councils and mayors are acting, but an extra £1.5 billion is needed to support people and businesses to switch from older polluting vehicles into low emission transport, cycling and walking so we can all love clean air. We also a need a new clean air law including tougher, legally binding World Health Organisation air pollution limits and an independent watchdog that will hold Government to account."
But what would be done with the money? Suggestions include funding towards ultra-low emission vehicles or for scrapping diesel cars registered before 2015, for creating cheaper public transport or promoting car share/car clubs in problem areas. In bigger cities electric buses or and low emission bus zones could be the answer.
Michael Gove, the environment secretary agrees that "Tackling air pollution needs strong collective action" and that the forthcoming Environment Bill would include new legislation on air quality and “deliver on it’s commitment to leave the natural world in a better condition than we found it.” ***
Inevitably, where there is a focus - and a significant budget for improvement - then experts in the field will be required to ensure that what has been promised can be delivered. At Allen & York, we specialise in recruiting hard to fill and technical roles and are proud of the sectors we work in, they include Environment, Energy and Sustainability.
We have a long history of working in these sectors and have worked on over 230 vacancies for air quality professionals. Our specialist recruitment consultants are delighted to have placed 18 air quality specialists throughout the UK. We have live vacancies for consultant to director level and, by placing some of the best people in these vacancies, are supporting the quest for air quality and a better environment for generations to come.
If you are a candidate looking for a new job in air quality, or an employer who needs assistance in recruiting air quality staff, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. Let’s work together to improve air quality.