West Northants campaigners call for action on air pollution
West Northants campaigners call for action on air pollution BBC
sdgtalks
Air Quality Protest Demands Action in Northampton
Naree Lee
Introduction
A charity called the Umbrella Fair Organisation, based in Northampton, is organizing a protest outside a council meeting to demand action on improving the town’s air quality. The organization claims that no progress has been made on this issue for the past 17 years.
One of the campaigners, Naree Lee, moved to Northampton from South Korea to escape air pollution. She believes that the town is heading in the same direction as South Korea in terms of air quality.
Concerns and Calls for Action
West Northamptonshire Council acknowledges the “genuine concerns” about air quality and expresses its commitment to publish a cohesive clean air strategy as early as possible. However, the Umbrella Fair Organisation and other activists are demanding clearer commitments and specific plans to improve air quality. They propose measures such as a cohesive clean air policy, allocation of funds for air quality improvement, and research into smart traffic light systems for roadworks.
Labour councillors have proposed a motion to the council meeting, while the ruling Conservative group has watered down many of the measures. The only additional commitment made by the Conservative group is to meet or surpass all relevant legal provisions on safe air pollution levels.
Personal Experiences
Kate Bradbrook/BBC
Naree Lee, who considers herself a “climate refugee,” came to the UK to protect her son from air pollution that she believed was causing serious health issues. Her son experienced fits and pneumonia, which she attributed to the poor air quality. She invested in an indoor air purifier but felt heartbroken that her son couldn’t play outdoors due to the pollution.
Even after moving to Northampton, Lee still faces air quality challenges. She takes precautions such as avoiding busy roads and bonfires to protect her son’s and her own health. She hopes that the council will take stronger action to address the air pollution problem.
Local Concerns and Action
Naree Lee
A study conducted by the Housefresh website in 2022 ranked Northampton as having the worst air pollution in the country, with residents inhaling the equivalent of 189 cigarettes per year. Dave Pearson, a citizen scientist and member of Clean Air Northampton, highlights the severity of the problem, stating that two people per week die in Northampton due to air pollution.
Despite these concerns, West Northamptonshire Council assures residents that they are working on a cohesive clean air strategy and collaborating with partners to implement effective local actions. However, activists and campaigners continue to push for stronger commitments and urgent action to improve air quality in the town.
Related Topics
Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Relevant to the Article
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities.
Explanation
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the issue of air pollution and its impact on health. Naree Lee, a campaigner, moved to Northampton from South Korea to escape air pollution that was affecting her son’s health. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. Specifically, Target 3.9 focuses on reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution and hazardous chemicals. The indicator mentioned in the article, mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution, can be used to measure progress towards this target.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article highlights the issue of air pollution in Northampton, with a study suggesting it has the worst air pollution in the country. This relates to SDG 11, which aims to create sustainable cities and communities. Target 11.6 specifically addresses air quality in cities and aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air pollution. The indicator mentioned in the article, annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities, can be used to measure progress towards this target.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: bbc.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
