To watch this event, you can rent or buy the video here.
For UK Clean Air Day, 8th October 2020 saw The Future Economy Network run an interactive webinar on “Pollution in Bristol: Our Emissions and Transport”. This online event was kindly sponsored by Stantec, a top tier global design firm and member of the Network who design with community in mind.
Katherine Piper, Director of The Future Economy Network, welcomed attendees, highlighting the benefits of joining the Network and also sharing updates about The Future Economy Network’s Carbon Neutral Hub in Bristol, Future Leap. Katherine also briefly ran through the plans for The Festival of Sustainable Business, and you can check out the video here.
Originally, the event was due to be held at the beautiful offices at FEN members, TLP LLT but given the current COVID-19 situation, instead the event took place online. Nevertheless, it was great to hear from Katherine Evans, Head of Planning and Environment at TLT LLP who gave an introduction to the firm and opened discussions around the impact of COVID-19 on transport and highlighted the opportunity to build infrastructure with air quality in mind. We also welcomed sponsors and FEN members, Stantec to speak. Nicole Holland, Air Quality Scientist at Stantec gave an introduction to the company, in particular the role of their air quality team who carry out assessments throughout the UK. She also discussed the air quality situation in Bristol, citing Clean Air Zone plans.
Sam Akehurst, Professor of Advanced Powertrain Systems at FEN members, the University of Bath then spoke about the broadening of research into a vehicle's powertrain and the scale of the challenge. He cited our addiction to the internal combustion engine, the problems associated with congestion and the need to incentivise other forms of transport as well as challenges around Euro 6 regulations and electrification. He concluded by suggesting that electric vehicles are just a part of the solution but stressed the need for a low carbon electricity supply, the importance of replacing our existing ageing fleet, and the advantages of hybrid vehicles. He queried whether EVs can be commercially successful and stressed the importance of re-education, investment in public transport and incentives.
Next up, we welcomed Steve Crawshaw, Air and Environment Programme Coordinator for FEN members, Bristol City Council. Steve highlighted the situation in Bristol showing data related to mortality from air pollution by ward before going on to discuss the legal framework (Environment Act 1995, EU Air Quality Directive, and Client Earth Directions). He advised that despite a downward trend in NO2 in recent years, it is still over acceptable levels. Steve discussed the various iterations of Bristol's Clean Air Plan and advised of the consultation starting today where the local authority will discuss various clean air zone options. He discussed the effect of COVID-19 on air quality and concluded by stressing that air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK.
Our final speaker was Dr Jo Barnes, Senior Research Fellow, AQMRC at FEN Members, the University of the West of England. Jo highlighted the scale of the health problem associated with poor air quality and the associated economic impacts. She also raised the inequalities associated with poor air quality with certain population groups being adversely affected by this. Jo went on to discuss the links between air pollution and climate change, air pollution and ecosystems and air pollution and the built environment. She then discussed the improvements that could be made in these areas if our air quality were to improve. Improvements in air quality can be brought about by 1) removing the receptors (not normally feasible), 2) Cleaning up the source (does not address all of the problems) or ideally 3) removing the source (difficult but with more co-benefits).
We continued with mini Q&A’s after every speaker, which created a continuous buzz throughout the event. Finally, Network members Future Leap, South Coast Science, Karshare and attendees Earthsense gave a 60 second pitch. Everyone was then able to network in different groups using facilitated break out rooms, before the event finished. A huge thank you to our sponsors Stantec, the speakers and attendees of this event, without which our events calendar would not be possible.
