Air pollution

*NEW* RCPCH Webinar: Moving Towards Clean Air: Tackling Transport, Pollution, and Health Inequality

In this webinar, we explore transport, health, wellbeing, and air pollution. Transport is a key lever in both reducing air pollution and enhancing public wellbeing. We highlight case studies from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Living Streets, demonstrating initiatives that can be implemented locally to promote clean air and improve public health.

Speakers

  • Julia Crear
  • David Gallagher

Date of Recording

February 3, 2025

Available Until

February 2, 2026

Key Messages

Transport is a critical factor in reducing air pollution and improving public health.

Initiatives like those from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Living Streets serve as models for local health professionals to engage with clean air and transport solutions.

Active transport, particularly walking, plays a central role in reducing the negative impacts of poor air quality and inactivity on health.

Mode shift initiatives, like free bus travel for NHS starters, have shown tangible benefits in reducing non-attendance at medical appointments and supporting excluded groups.

Useful links and resources

Air Pollution Companion

Air Pollution Companion

The Air Pollution Companion is a ‘one stop shop’ to learn about air pollution and child health, and integrate it into your practice. This resource was developed by the Clean Air Fund Partnership team, which includes three Clinical Fellows working alongside RCPCH policy experts.

 

Get involved

RCPCH Clean Air Network

The RCPCH has recently launched a Clean Air Network. Its primary aim is to mobilise and empower paediatricians as advocates for clean air, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to raise awareness about air pollution’s impact on child health.

If interested, find out more and sign up for the Clean Air Network.

If you have any queries please contact us at cleanair@rcpch.ac.uk

Related resources

Continued Professional Development (CPD)

We do not issue CPD certificates for webinars or podcasts, as we are unable to verify participation.

However, you are still able to record as a CPD activity as you normally would, detailing what you have learned and how the learning will benefit your practice.

When recording the activity, delegates should focus on the reflection and detail the following:

  • What did you learn?
  • What effect has/will the learning had/have on your current practice?
  • What further learning or action, if any, is needed as a result of the original learning activity?

If you have any questions, please contact the CPD team

If you use the RCPCH CPD Diary, you can click here to visit the diary and record your learning: Log your learning on the RCPCH CPD Diary

Speakers

  • Julia Crear

    Head of Projects and Technical Services, Living Streets

    Julia Crear, from Living Streets, brought her wealth of technical experience in active transport for improving public health. With over 19 years of experience, Julia discussed the vital role of active transport in creating healthier communities and reducing the impacts of poor air quality. Julia’s work with Living Streets has included engaging communities and schools, implementing Net Zero strategies, and managing numerous projects such as the Welsh Government Walk to School Programme and collaborations with NHS hospitals. In her talk, she highlighted the numerous benefits of walking, both for physical and mental health, and how active transport can help combat the harmful effects of pollution.

  • David Gallagher

    West Midlands Combined Authority

    David Gallagher led travel initiatives at the West Midlands Combined Authority, where he focused on promoting bus use through 'mode shift' programs. These programs included offering NHS starters free bus travel and discounts, which have led to significant increases in bus use and a reduction in non-attendance at hospital appointments. His efforts also aimed to support excluded groups by providing financial assistance for bus travel. In his session, David shared insights on the health and economic co-benefits of these initiatives, particularly how they contribute to tackling health inequalities.

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Email us at rcpchlearning@rcpch.ac.uk