What is the Government Doing?

The Clean Air Acts

The development of air pollution control in the UK has been strongly determined by the early smog episodes in cities such as London. The Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 were introduced to tackle the smog and improve air quality. The Acts were successful in reducing sulphur dioxide pollution from industry, but new pollution problems from transport have since increased.

The Environment Act

In 1995, the Environment Act was passed to address poor and declining air quality and reduce the risk of health problems due to air pollution.

The National Air Quality Strategy

In response to the Environment Act, the National Air Quality Strategy was published in 1997 and updated in 2000. This strategy made commitments to achieve new air quality objectives by 2005.

The main aim of the Government is to reduce the amount of polluting emissions to levels which are harmless to human health. The strategy set standards to reduce the 8 main air pollutants in the UK.

Summary

Government policies should reduce air pollution by a significant amount. However, the action of individuals is just as important; if everyone plays their part then we can aim for a pollution free future.