, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary
for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Clean air is fundamental to
our health, our environment and our quality of life. Decades of
action to reduce emissions from power generation, transport,
agriculture, industry, and domestic sources mean that the air we
breathe today is cleaner than it has been at any time since the
industrial revolution. Yet the continued challenge of air
pollution remains. Though often invisible, its impact is
profound—shortening lives, harming vulnerable groups and damaging
the natural world.
The Welsh Government's Clean Air Plan for Wales sets out our
long-term strategy to tackle air pollution and improve air
quality. A key commitment within the Plan was the introduction of
The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024.
Central to this is the creation of a framework for setting
national air quality targets, empowering Welsh Ministers to
establish legally binding goals that will drive progress.
Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of a public consultation on
proposed targets for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) —
the pollutant most strongly linked to serious health impacts. The
proposed targets would significantly reduce the permitted annual
mean concentration of PM2.5, aligning Wales more
closely with World Health Organization guidance. These targets
are designed to be ambitious, achievable and impactful—reducing
exposure across Wales and improving outcomes for all.
Meeting these targets will require action across society. While
the duty to achieve them rests with national government, success
will depend on collaboration between public bodies, businesses,
communities, and individuals. Legally binding targets will
provide clarity and direction, helping to shape investment,
innovation, and behaviour change.
This consultation marks an important step in our journey towards
cleaner air. I encourage everyone to take part and share their
views. Together, we can build a healthier, greener future for
Wales.
