Consultation begins on climate change and air quality in Sandwell

21 January

An eight-week consultation on climate change and air quality issues in Sandwell started on Monday (20 January).

Local residents will be asked for their views on how emissions can be reduced to help make Sandwell carbon neutral no later than 2041.

Councillor Wasim Ali, cabinet member for resources and core services, said: “We are very serious about improving air quality in Sandwell as it’s important to our residents’ health. We are committed to reducing people’s exposure to poor quality air and to improve health levels in the borough.

“We’re looking forward to hearing people’s views which will help us plan how we can lower emissions in Sandwell by 2041.

He said climate change had been identified by the World Health Organisation as the number one priority for public health this century, so the ‘do nothing’ option was not sustainable.

A Climate Change Working Group has been set up to improve upon emissions of 4.6 tonnes per person in Sandwell, which have been reducing in recent years but are still above the regional average.

The council is also working on ways to promote better public transport, walking, cycling and encourage people to switch to low or zero emission cars.

The council points out that the planned major improvements to Birchley Island at Junction 2 of the M5 and the Wednesbury-Brierley Hill Midland Metro line would bring substantial improvement.

Other suggested actions include promoting car sharing and developing travel plans for businesses, hospitals and schools.

Throughout the eight-week consultation period, people will be able to provide their views through an online survey and by attending events in each of the six towns.

The first event will take place on Wednesday 22 January from 5pm – 6.30pm at Ferndale Primary School, Ferndale Avenue, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 5QF. Further events will be announced throughout the eight-weeks.

The consultation started on Monday 20 January and you will be able to have your say at www.sandwell.gov.uk/climatechange