Ahead of this year’s Clean Air Day, influential leaders across the West Midlands came together to discuss clean air justice for the region.
The event, hosted by Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition, in collaboration with West Midlands Combined Authority and Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, brought together communities, campaigners, health professionals, and decisions-makers to reflect on the progress made so far and the work still to be done, to ensure clean, healthy air for everyone in the West Midlands.
The evening featured talks from Birmingham City Councillor, founding member of Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition (BHAC), and Board Member for The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS), Waseem Zaffar; West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker; MP for West Bromwich, Sarah Coombes; and key figures from the NHS, West Midlands Combined Authority, and Transport for West Midlands.
Councillor Waseem Zaffar, said: “Creating healthier environments for all requires robust collaboration. Partnerships like these are essential to drive meaningful change in air quality.”
The reception signalled a renewed commitment from key figures for the pursuit of clean air, and gave attendees the opportunity to discuss upcoming regional strategies and initiatives.
Air pollution continues to disproportionately affect people with existing health conditions, low income and global majority communities, and the oldest and youngest in society. For more information about Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition, go to: brumhealthyair.org.uk
–
Birmingham Healthy Air Coalition founders; Birmingham City Councillor, Waseem Zaffar (L), and Justice Networks Lead for The Active Wellbeing Society, Florence Cadge
