Today marks National Clean Air Day.
It’s a great opportunity for us all to unpack the crucial relationship between the health of our communities and the environment. Whether it’s the need for safer bike routes or cleaner air, sustainable transportation has become a focal point in the broader conversation about environmental stewardship and public health.
“The health of our community and the environment are inextricably linked.
Whether it's infrequent bus routes to key areas, a lack of carriages on trains passing through Sherburn, or inadequate (or non-existent) cycle lanes across the constituency, addressing these issues will play a vital role in cleaning up our air quality and improving quality of life.”
— Arnold Warneken
Parliamentary Candidate, Selby & Ainsty
The Human Cost:
The toll of air pollution on health is staggering. Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. It’s one of the biggest health risks to millions across the UK and it's linked to a host of medical conditions.
Asthma, often triggered or worsened by poor air quality, impacts people of all ages. It's not just a health issue; it's a challenge that puts immense strain on the NHS.
Improving our air quality is tantamount to safeguarding people’s well-being, both across Selby & Ainsty and nationally. A healthier environment is not just a boon for residents. It’s also imperative to alleviate the pressure on our fantastic NHS.
So how do we solve the air quality equation?
“Health issues exacerbated by poor air quality impact us, our loved ones and our health service. We must act now to alleviate the burden on the NHS and create a healthier, greener Selby & Ainsty for current and future generations.”
— Arnold Warneken
So how do we solve the air quality equation?
The Traffic Quagmire:
With transport being the second biggest contributor to pollution in North Yorkshire, accounting for over 28% of total emissions, we need timely and urgent action. It’s imperative that we find greener alternatives. Investing in active travel and public transport is not a subsidy - it’s a necessity.
“This country is ripe for a well-crafted and ambitious active travel strategy. Combined with investing in our public services, we can reduce emissions from individual journeys.”
— Arnold Warneken
Parliamentary Candidate, Selby & Ainsty Green Party
A Closer Look at our Cycling Dilemma:
Camblesforth residents are all too familiar with the inherent risks of cycling through the area. For one, the apparent disregard for the 60mph speed limit on the route between Camblesforth and Selby leaves cyclists in a precarious position, forced to turn to longer, indirect routes simply to keep safe.
Turning to Sherburn in Elmet, massive industrial growth in recent years has brought pledges of cycle racks and more to encourage wider adoption of active travel commuting. But, none of the required infrastructure to support these schemes has followed.
We should not be in a position where workers have to risk their lives to commute in a more healthy, cost-efficient, and sustainable way. But Selby & Ainsty is, sadly, not alone.
“Active travel is a win-win. By introducing incentives and benefits for staff who utilize public transport, participate in car-sharing, or use active travel to commute, employers can be catalysts for change.
But the government must provide support. By establishing cycleways and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and integrating these into the strategic planning of housing, it is absolutely possible to address the key issues behind road safety, health and air quality.”
— Arnold Warneken
Keeping Fares Fair:
One of the key priorities of the Green Party, and our prospective Parliamentary Candidate Arnold Warneken, is to nationalise our public services.
By bringing services under public ownership, profit no longer dictates the strategy, which means any surplus can be reinvested to keep fares down.
One of the most tangible benefits of nationalising public transport is the potential for more affordable fares. The Green Party’s “A One Pound Fare to Take You There” policy calls for just that: a £1 single fare on all bus routes nationwide, and free bus travel for individuals aged 21 and under. This is crucial for making public transport an appealing and viable option for everyone, particularly those on tighter budgets.
Put simply, it should not be cheaper to fly to Europe than it is to get a train between two locations in the UK.
“Nationalising buses and rail services is a significant step towards ensuring that every resident can access cleaner air and sustainable, accessible transportation.
So many residents feel completely isolated and utterly let down by the current infrastructure in Selby & Ainsty.”
— Arnold Warneken
The agricultural predicament:
The figures don't lie — agriculture is the prime air quality offender in North Yorkshire. Farming is a delicate balance between supplying food and protecting our environment. As extreme weather events increase, farmers find themselves in increasingly precarious situations. With barely a drop of rain in over a month, we recognise the concern felt by Selby & Ainsty’s farmers about the growing risk to crops.
The National Farmers Union has set ambitious goals to reduce the agricultural sector’s impact by 2040. However, government support is essential for these initiatives to take root.
“As a retired organic farmer, I understand the difficulties of producing food and the challenges that farmers face.
Farmers are the custodians of our countryside. We need the government to support them, and it’s essential to bring farmers into the conversation.”
— Arnold Warneken
