Air quality in Leeds has massively improved over recent years. One effective way the city has managed to turn the pollution levels around is by limiting traffic and investing in a reliable bus service in and around Leeds.
However, many are still suffering with the lasting effects of air pollution, and 54 in every 1,000 deaths in Leeds are related to air pollution.
Leeds Now has looked into the various methods being taken to push for a greener future.
Following the government’s plans to scrap HS2 connections up towards Leeds, a renewed proposal has been made to implement a mass transit system in the city as part of the £36 billion “National North” scheme.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin announced £2.5 billion of this spending will go towards a new transport network stretching out from Leeds to Huddersfield, Wakefield, Bradford and Halifax.
Over 60% of people voted in favour of a tram network in a recent survey conducted by Leeds Now, however, locals will know not to get carried away with previous proposals having been overturned due to lack of funding.
Since 2020, Leeds Bradford airport has seen a reduced passenger count, averaging over 300,000 people pre-COVID to less than 150,000 in 2022. A lower rate of passengers and flights at Leeds Bradford airport helps decrease air and noise pollution.
Despite plans to extend the terminal being withdrawn, Leeds Bradford airport claims it is attempting to become more eco-friendly for the future, though it remains to be seen what changes they will enact.
However, we could argue that there are also other important natural issues that the council should be putting more emphasis on to help climate change.
The use of green spaces such as public parks and playing fields in Leeds is an incredibly important part of the city’s residents’ lives.
With many people of all ages visiting public green spaces regularly a Leeds Now study found that almost 30% of respondents thought there needed to be more public green spaces in Leeds.
Alex Langstaff, who is involved with the environmental charity Hyde Park Source (who run a community garden and organise many projects to do with green space) said that: “Green spaces are integral to our mental and physical health. They reduce our stress and make us feel calmer.”
This is especially important for people from deprived areas, who Ms Langstaff said could be affected if parking charges were put in place near green spaces by the council as planned.
Fly tipping is an environmental crime that often goes without consequence, the councils need to crack down on prosecuting offenders. Only 1.2% of offenders are prosecuted, if Leeds is going to become a greener city, people should be held responsible, expert Robert Evans says.
Littering is also a big problem for Leeds. Litter causes pollution kills wildlife, facilitates the spread of disease and costs the Government millions every year. Cigarette butts take up a huge part of discarded rubbish, especially in Leeds.
99% of all fines handed out in the city Centre in the past 15 months have been for cigarette related littering. Smokers racked up a quarter of a million pounds in fines, leading to calls from councillors for more education for smokers and more bins to discard cigarettes safely.
Leeds City Council, working alongside the environment agency are still working on their flood alleviation scheme to prevent the devastation caused by extreme weather and storms to homes and businesses. Studies have found that storms that cause floods have a root cause of climate change, experts are claiming that the warmth in the atmosphere is the sole cause for heavier rainfall.
The council has proposed many new schemes to improve the environment in Leeds. The new Children’s Mayor’s manifesto revolved around the environment and received a lot of support from peers and the City Council.
Alongside this the previously mentioned pledge to reduce net zero carbon emissions and other schemes are attempting to create a much greener Leeds.
