Government must take urgent action on air pollution
The Scottish Government must commit to taking urgent, robust action to tackle air pollution according to the Scottish Greens Environment and Climate Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP.
Mr Ruskell made the call following the publication of a review into the government’s air quality strategy.
Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“Air pollution is Scotland’s silent killer, responsible for around 2,500 deaths each year. There are 38 hot spots throughout the country, where poor air quality often breaches safe legal levels, putting the most vulnerable at risk.
“I welcome many of the recommendations in this review, but without a clear timescale for delivery there is a risk that the Environment Secretary could allow this report to simply gather dust, it’s vital that this doesn’t happen.
“One concern is the proposal for a voluntary code of practice for agriculture, we must be more ambitious and ensure that compliance is built into future agricultural subsidies regimes.
“I’m pleased to see that the report recognises the co-benefits of tackling air pollution and tackling the climate emergency. That’s why our call for a Scottish Green New Deal, which we launched in Glasgow today, is so important.