Air Quality and Climate Change: Integrating Policy Within Local Authorities

Climate change presents one of the most significant environmental challenges facing humanity, and the UK is committed to making significant cuts in emissions of greenhouse gases. Poor air quality in our towns and cities is a major cause of premature death and serious illness for the people who live and work there. Both issues cannot be dealt with by national and international measures alone, and local authorities have a key role in coordinating effective action at the local level.

This guidance, published in 2023 by Environmental Protection UK and the Carbon Action Network, set out guidance to help local authorities take forward a strategic approach to addressing air quality and climate change through joint actions, using resources efficiently to generate ‘win/ win’ outcomes. It was commissioned by the City of London, with funding provided by Defra under the Air Quality Grants programme.

Please note that this document was published in 2013 based on a previous version created in 2007.

For the latest guidance, see the Environmental Policy Implementation Community's guide for local authorities on Integrating Action on Air Quality & Climate Change.

Header image credit: © Iakov Kalinin | Adobe Stock