They urged politicians not to lose their nerve over plans to improve poor air quality, such as the expansion of the ultra low emission zone (Ulez) in London, which they said were central to tackling "unacceptably high" levels of illness and child deaths, and called for more ambitious policies to reduce toxic air.
The Conservative party in London has said it would scrap the Ulez expansion despite a judge yesterday dismissing a legal move by five Tory-controlled councils to overturn the scheme's enlargement. There are also concerns Labour's national leadership may water down its support for clean air programmes for fear of opposition from motorists and businesses hit by charges.
Pressed on whether he was concerned by the fracturing political consensus on climate measures, the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, who is pressing for the Ulez expansion, said: "Tackling the climate emergency and air pollution are twin emergencies we have got to address; they are bigger than party politics." He highlighted the wildfires in Greece and heatwaves in Britain, also causing fires. "People think climate change and air pollution are an issue for the global south, or for 30 years' time. They are an issue for now."
Dr Camilla Kingdon, the president of the Royal Society of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "Action is needed in the form of clean air schemes as seen in some UK cities and nationwide, as well as clear air quality targets. At the end of the day, this is a child's rights issue, and our children need to remain at the heart of these policies."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 29, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 29, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'Panic mode' Bosses pressing mechanics to keep quiet, says worker at Everett site
Boeing's largest factory is in \"panic mode\", workers and union officials say, with managers accused of hounding staff to keep quiet over quality concerns.
Mushrooming popularity of homegrown fungi 'could lead to biodiversity disaster'
An increase in the number of people growing mushrooms in their garden could lead to a biodiversity disaster similar to those caused by Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants, experts have warned.
Papua New Guinea PM makes first visit to site of landslide as death toll rises
Papua New Guinea's prime minister, James Marape, has made his first visit to a remote village hit by a deadly landslide last week, and thanked international aid donors for their support.
'It's a battle for the soul of our society' Israeli peace activists stand together to protect aid convoys from settlers
At approximately 10.30am on a scorching Monday, a group of five young Israeli settlers arrived at the Tarqumiya checkpoint, west of Hebron in the West Bank, where dozens of aid trucks bound for Gaza were expected.
South African coalition government on the cards after ANC vote collapses
South Africa was yesterday facing the uncertainty of a coalition government after the former president Jacob Zuma's new party upended the country's elections, contributing to the African National Congress party's vote share collapsing.
Royal rift All eyes on princes as duke gets married
When Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke of Westminster, 33, marries Olivia Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral next week he will relinquish the status bestowed by society bibles of Britain's most eligible bachelor.
Spain fines four airlines £128m over 'abusive' extra fees
Budget airlines including easyJet and Ryanair have been hit with fines totalling €150m (£128m) by the Spanish government for policies that include charging passengers extra for cabin luggage.
Political adverts 'Microtargeting ditched for big spending splurge
Don't expect to see Cambridge Analyticastyle microtargeted adverts political driven by personal data during this general election: the tactic is now considered by many to be an ineffective \"red herring\" and is increasingly being blocked by social media platforms.
'It's not just Gaza' Historically safe Labour seat where voters say party could struggle
On a Wednesday afternoon, despite the pouring rain, Alum Rock Road is buzzing.
Analysis Prime minister's policy blitz fails to move polls
Rishi Sunak is heading to the north-east today for a rare foray into the \"red wall\" after a campaign that has so far focused on shoring up the Conservative party's older, more affluent southern base.