Clear the Air: Elevating the Conversation on Air Quality

Why Clean Air Matters: Louise’s Perspective

When I asked Louise why air quality doesn’t get the attention it deserves, she didn’t hold back: “Air pollution is a silent killer that’s deeply intertwined with the same fossil fuels driving climate change.” She made it clear that the problem isn’t just environmental—“it’s a human health crisis that disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities.”

We tend to focus on carbon emissions, but air pollution plays an equally damaging role, especially when it comes to our daily lives. “Most people don’t realise that 30% of their daily exposure to air pollution comes from commuting,” Louise shared. Whether you drive, walk, or cycle, you’re exposed to harmful pollutants, and while electric vehicles reduce carbon, they aren’t the complete solution. “They still contribute to particulate matter,” Louise reminded me, which can cause serious health problems, from respiratory issues to cardiovascular diseases and even impacts on brain health and fertility.

Air Quality: A Public Health Crisis

The conversation with Louise really drove home the point that air pollution is not just an inconvenience—it’s a public health emergency. “Air pollution affects everyone, but it hits vulnerable populations the hardest, particularly in cities,” she explained. The contrast between wealthier areas and lower-income neighbourhoods in terms of air quality is significant. “Those with the means can often escape poor air, but for many, especially in urban areas, it’s a daily reality.”

Louise emphasised that addressing air pollution has clear environmental benefits, but its most immediate and profound impacts are on human health. A staggering 85% of all global air pollution comes from burning fossil fuels and biomass. This underscores why tackling air quality must be front and centre in sustainability efforts—not just for the environment, but for our health.

One striking example she mentioned was the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where the city implemented drastic measures to reduce air pollution, such as restricting vehicle use and shutting down factories. These efforts didn’t just clear the air; they extended life expectancy by nearly four years, demonstrating that targeted, meaningful action on air quality can save lives too.

The Financial Case for Clean Air

Beyond the human health implications, Louise made it clear that there’s also a strong financial case for clean air. The costs of inaction are steep: according to a report from Public Health England (PHE), the health and social care costs of air pollution in England could reach £5.3 billion by 2035 if no significant changes are made. “In 2018 alone, these costs amounted to £42.88 million,” Louise pointed out. This highlights the urgency of taking decisive action to improve air quality before these costs spiral further out of control.

She emphasised that carbon reduction and clean air are not mutually exclusive goals. “We have to address both simultaneously,” she said. Louise shared a promising trend that, for the first time in 2021, international development funding for outdoor air quality projects ($2.3 billion) exceeded funding for projects that prolong the use of fossil fuels ($1.5 billion). However, it’s important to note that more recent reports show fossil fuel support is once again outpacing investments in clean air initiatives—a reminder that ongoing vigilance and advocacy are needed to keep pushing these priorities forward.

Perhaps most compelling was her point about the return on investment. “For every dollar invested in clean air, the return can be as high as 13 to 1,” she explained. Cleaner air leads to extended lives, reduced healthcare costs, and improved productivity. It’s a win-win for both communities and businesses alike.

The Role of Regulations and Public Awareness

Louise noted that regulations are slowly catching up, with initiatives like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Europe, which is starting to bring more attention to air pollutants alongside carbon emissions. “The CSRD is still somewhat vague, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Louise said. She believes that businesses need to focus not just on carbon but also on the direct impact of air quality on health and productivity. “This should be reflected in how companies operate.”

Governments also play a key role, particularly in funding awareness and education campaigns. “There are still many myths about air pollution,” Louise pointed out, such as the belief that being inside a car protects you from pollution. “In reality, pollutant levels inside vehicles are often higher because cars take in emissions from surrounding vehicles and recirculate them,” she explained. “You’re often better off walking or cycling than sitting in traffic, breathing in concentrated pollution.”

There has been some pushback against initiatives like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), with critics arguing that these measures are imposed without enough consultation. Louise believes that some of this opposition stems from broader issues, including a mistrust of government policies in general, rather than just a lack of awareness. “Wider issues of trust need to be addressed to ensure that public health measures like ULEZ can gain more widespread acceptance,” she noted.

Clean Air in the Workplace: A Call for Employer Action

Louise also emphasised how air quality ties into the workplace. “Air pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a workplace issue,” she said. With many companies urging employees back to the office, they need to consider the health risks posed by polluted commutes and work environments. She argued that clean air policies should be a core part of any sustainability strategy, not just for the planet but for employee well-being.

“Active travel, like cycling or walking, isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for your health,” Louise said. She suggested that employers encourage these practices by offering incentives and providing resources like bike storage and clean air routes. “It’s not just about carbon—it’s about creating healthier, more productive workplaces.”

The Overlooked Link Between Air Quality and Climate Action

One of Louise’s most compelling points was the link between air quality and climate action. “We often separate the two, but the reality is that they’re deeply interconnected,” she explained. The same fossil fuels that drive climate change are the biggest contributors to air pollution, meaning efforts to reduce fossil fuel use address both problems simultaneously.

Louise pointed out that framing air quality as a public health issue could engage more people in the climate conversation. “When people understand how air pollution affects their daily lives—their health, their children’s health—they’re more likely to support broader climate action,” she said. It’s a personal and immediate way to connect people with the urgency of sustainability.

What Can You Do?

When it comes to personal action, Louise’s advice is refreshingly straightforward: “Get on a bike.” Choosing cleaner routes and using active travel methods can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants. I’ve been testing this myself with Air Aware Labs technology, tracking my air quality during daily commutes. Small changes like taking side streets or opting to cycle have made a noticeable difference in my exposure to pollutants.

Louise’s message is clear: even small actions add up. “By making these small changes, you’re not just protecting your own health—you’re contributing to cleaner air for everyone,” she said.

Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to sharing more unfiltered voices and insights from the front lines of sustainability in future editions. If you’d like to join the conversation or have thoughts to share, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Want to learn more about Louise Thomas and her work? Visit Air Aware Labs.