New evidence showing that air pollution levels have gone down again in Wales, was welcomed by the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson today (13 October).
Key findings in the report show how air quality is now better than at any time since the industrial revolution. Overall emissions of the seven priority pollutants have reduced substantially since the introduction of the air pollution inventory in 1990.
The Minister said:
“I am pleased that overall, great progress has been made since 1990 with emissions of the majority of pollutants decreasing by more than 50%.
“I am pleased that overall, great progress has been made since 1990 with emissions of the majority of pollutants decreasing by more than 50%.
“The report illustrates the significant technological progress and development of effective environmental management and regulation processes for those sectors responsible for such emissions.
“But we should not rest easy. It is clear that air quality continues to have the potential to affect health and the environment in parts of Wales, and the Welsh Assembly Government will continue to seek improvements in air quality “
The latest emissions figures are published today (13 October) by AEA Energy and Environment on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, DEFRA, the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Department of Environment.
The Air Quality Pollutant Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – 1990 to 2007 report covers 1990 to 2008. It records the following Air Quality pollutants: ammonia, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, sub-10 micron particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and lead.
The report keeps the UK Administrations better informed, to enable them to meet the objectives set down in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which contribute to the UK’s targets as a whole in meeting both national and international targets on local and international air pollution.
The report shows that overall emissions in the UK and Wales have decreased substantially both year on-year and when compared to emissions in 1990.