The Clean Air Strategy 2019 is the UK Government’s framework document which sets out policy action to improve national emissions of the following five damaging pollutants:
- fine particulate matter (PM2.5);
- ammonia (NH3);
- nitrogen oxides (NOx);
- sulphur dioxide (SO2); and
- non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs).
The strategy outlines the policy action required to achieve statutory emissions reductions commitments, reduce background pollution and minimise human exposure to harmful concentrations of pollution. The strategy focuses on tackling air pollution in England; however, it also highlights action being taken in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Clean Air Strategy 2019 reiterates the Government’s policy as set out in the 2013 Aviation Policy Framework, which identifies aviation (including flights, airports and land journeys to and from the airport) as a key contributor air pollution. In relation to aviation, the Clean Air Strategy 2019 notes that the consultation, Aviation 2050, outlined the proposed policies which aim to improve aviation related emissions and air quality.
As air quality is a devolved policy area, each Devolved Administration has published, or intends to publish, its own strategy to achieving cleaner air. These are as follows:
- Scotland: Cleaner Air for Scotland 2;
- Wales: The Clean Air Plan for Wales; and
- Northern Ireland: The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is developing Northern Ireland’s first Clean Air Strategy.
Environmental Improvement Plan 2023
The Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 (EIP) is the first five-yearly statutory review of the 25 Year Environment Plan. The EIP applies to England only and is a delivery plan setting out how Government will improve all aspects of the environment. The clean air chapter of the EIP builds upon the 2019 Clean Air Strategy, setting out Government’s delivery plan to achieve its statutory air quality targets. It builds on the vision set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, and accounts for the new powers and duties under Environment Act (2021).
Policies related specifically to aviation are not referenced within the EIP; however, the EIP should be considered alongside other strategies, such as the Clean Air Strategy 2019, which remains the Government’s strategy for air quality.