WM-Air held a networking event at The Exchange on 24th January, to mark the first national Clean Air Night. The event brought together local and regional stakeholders and fostering networking and exchange of knowledge. It was attended by ~60 external stakeholders from across the West Midlands, including regional and local authority officers and councillors, NHS representatives, public health practitioners, air quality consultants, members of the Clean Air Justice Network and academics from local universities.
Bill Bloss introduced the sources of PM2.5 across the West Midlands based on filter measurements, and explored the relative contribution from woodburning, transport and other sources, which was followed with Q+A and discussion with the audience. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, closed the event emphasising the importance of addressing air quality in the region and setting out the actions which will be undertaken to address air quality as part of the WMCA air quality framework, which was developed in conjunction with WM-Air. The presentations and discussions were followed by a networking drinks reception.
This was the second ‘Community of Practice’-type air quality event for the region, with the next one planned for Clean Air Day on 20th June 2024.