Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Plan: summary of responses

Our national strategy, Clean Air Plan for Wales: Healthy Air, Healthy Wales (the Clean Air Plan), sets out a 10-year pathway to achieving cleaner air. Actions in the Clean Air Plan aim to tackle well-known sources of air pollution such as transport, industry (including agriculture) and emissions from homes and businesses. A key commitment is to enhance communications and support to encourage behaviour change. This reflects that everyone has a part to play in supporting collaborative action to achieve cleaner air.

The Welsh Government is committed to improving air quality and reducing the impacts of air pollution on human health, biodiversity, the natural environment and our economy.

Air pollution poses significant risks to human health, nature and the wider environment, affecting both individuals and communities across Wales. 

Promoting awareness of these impacts is crucial to empowering people to make informed choices that contribute to cleaner air and healthier surroundings.

The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 places a duty on Welsh Ministers to actively promote awareness of air pollution risks and to encourage actions to reduce emissions. This includes ensuring people understand how air pollution affects health — particularly those in more vulnerable groups, such as children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions. The draft Delivery Plan describes the actions we propose to take to meet this duty.

The draft Delivery Plan has been developed with the support of a dedicated Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Group. Professor Paul Lewis, Chair of the group, has brought extensive expertise in environmental impacts on respiratory health. Professor Lewis has contributed to a number of important advisory panels, including the Welsh Government Clean Air Advisory Panel, helping to set fine-particulate targets for the upcoming Clean Air Act in Wales. He has also been supporting the Wales Air Quality Direction Independent Review Panel and the Domestic Solid Fuel Burning in Wales Task and Finish Group. The Delivery Group also comprises colleagues with practical experience in public health, behaviour change, education, community engagement, communications and local authority delivery.

The draft Delivery Plan sets out an approach that focuses on supporting and encouraging positive change, ensuring individuals and businesses have the necessary information to take voluntary actions to limit air pollution. While enforcement measures remain important, the emphasis is on education and empowerment, making cleaner air an accessible goal for all.

In the draft Delivery Plan, we proposed a range of actions aimed at increasing public awareness and engagement. This includes national communication campaigns, the provision of educational resources, guidance for local authorities to support their own behavioural change strategies tailored to local needs and ensuring that individuals and organisations have the tools they need to contribute to air quality improvements across Wales. 

Through the consultation we welcomed views on these commitments.

The consultation sought public feedback on the draft Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Plan (Delivery Plan). The draft explains how we aim to promote awareness in Wales of the risks air pollution poses to human health and the natural environment, and outlines actions to reduce or limit air pollution. These include behaviour-change campaigns, school and community education resources, clearer public information about local air quality, and practical guidance to support small changes in travel, heating, and everyday behaviours.

From 5 August to 28 October 2025, we consulted on the extent to which the draft Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Plan would support increased awareness and contribute to positive change. The draft Delivery Plan contained 16 specific actions delivered by Welsh Government and its partners. These actions were organised under four theme headings according to the intended target area for each action. 

We sought views on whether:

• the delivery plan actions would help raise awareness of the risks air pollution poses to human health;
• the actions would help raise awareness of the risks air pollution poses to the natural environment;
• the actions would help people identify ways to reduce their contribution to air pollution;
• the actions would help people identify ways to reduce their exposure to air pollution; and
• the Delivery Plan would positively impact opportunities for people to use Welsh and ensure Welsh is treated equally to English.

We also invited any other relevant comments on the delivery plan not covered above.

We received a total of 28 responses from members of the public, local authorities, health and environmental organisations, and other interested parties, including community groups, professional bodies, industry representatives, and third sector and voluntary organisations. A consultation workshop was also held with local authorities on 10 September 2025. 

Responses to the Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution consultation were mixed, with many supporting the plan’s aims to raise awareness and empower action, but others expressing doubts about its likely impact or the sufficiency of proposed measures.  While views on the draft plan itself varied, there was broad agreement on the importance of clear, accessible information and the need for targeted education – especially for vulnerable groups, schools and health professionals. Some respondents highlighted gaps, such as limited focus on the natural environment, rural air quality and the role of businesses and enforcement. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of voluntary actions alone, the need for stronger engagement with stakeholders and the challenge of changing behaviours without wider systemic support. Despite mixed views on specific proposals, there was general recognition of the need for joined-up communication, bilingual resources and practical guidance to help individuals and communities reduce both their exposure to, and contribution to, air pollution.

In response to the feedback received, we have made several revisions to strengthen the plan. This included increasing the number of actions from 16 to 18 and refining several areas to reflect the suggestions provided by consultees. Further detail is provided below.

Question 1

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Delivery Plan actions will help raise awareness of the risks air pollution poses to human health?

• Strongly agree: 8
• Agree: 13
• Neither agree or disagree: 3
• Disagree: 3
• Strongly disagree: 1

Summary analysis

Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the Delivery Plan would help raise awareness of health risks from air pollution, welcoming the focus on education, communication and engagement with stakeholders. Some highlighted the need for more targeted messaging for vulnerable groups, including children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions. A minority expressed scepticism, questioning whether awareness alone would lead to meaningful change, and called for more robust action and evidence of impact. A few respondents felt the plan did not go far enough in linking air pollution to serious health outcomes, such as cancer, or in addressing inequalities.

Welsh Government Response

We welcome the broad support for promoting awareness of air pollution’s health risks. We recognise the importance of clear, accessible, and targeted communication, especially for vulnerable groups. Feedback will inform the development of bilingual resources and campaigns, and we will work with health professionals and community partners to ensure messaging is relevant and impactful. We acknowledge concerns about the need for action beyond awareness and will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our approach.

Question 2 

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the actions will help raise awareness of the risks air pollution poses to the natural environment?

• Strongly agree: 4
• Agree: 15
• Neither agree or disagree: 4
• Disagree: 4
• Strongly disagree: 1

Summary analysis 

While many respondents agreed that the plan would help raise awareness of environmental risks, several noted that the focus was more on human health than on the natural environment. Some called for clearer links between air pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change, and for more information on the impact of domestic burning, agriculture, and wildfires. A few respondents felt the plan should include monitoring of key species and habitats, and more practical examples of environmental harm.

Welsh Government response

We acknowledge the feedback that the Delivery Plan could do more to highlight the environmental impacts of air pollution. We will review the plan to strengthen references to biodiversity, ecosystems and the links between air quality, climate change, and sustainable development. Opportunities for monitoring and reporting on environmental outcomes will be explored, and we will work with partners to ensure messaging is relevant to both health and the environment.

Question 3 

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the actions will help people identify ways to reduce their contribution to air pollution?

• Strongly agree: 6
• Agree: 14
• Neither agree or disagree: 5
• Disagree: 2
• Strongly disagree: 1

Summary analysis 

Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the plan would help people identify ways to reduce their contribution, particularly through behaviour change campaigns and practical guidance. Some highlighted the need for more targeted education for specific groups (e.g. stove users, businesses, schools), and for clear, actionable advice. Others noted that individual behaviour change must be supported by enabling environments, such as better public transport and infrastructure for active travel. A minority felt that voluntary action alone would not be sufficient and called for stronger policy measures and enforcement.

Welsh Government response 

We are committed to supporting individuals, businesses and communities to reduce their contribution to air pollution. We will continue to develop and promote practical, evidence-based guidance, and will work with partners to address barriers to behaviour change. Feedback on the need for enabling environments and stronger policy measures will be considered as we review and update the Delivery Plan and related strategies.

Question 4

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the actions will help people identify ways to reduce their exposure to air pollution?

• Strongly agree: 5
• Agree: 14
• Neither agree or disagree: 6
• Disagree: 3
• Strongly disagree: 0

Summary analysis 

Most respondents agreed that the plan would help people reduce their exposure, especially through school-based programmes and community initiatives. However, several noted that exposure is often beyond individual control, particularly for those living in high-pollution or deprived areas. Some called for place-based interventions, improved active travel infrastructure, and policies addressing indoor air quality. Others highlighted the need for clear, practical advice and support for vulnerable groups.

Welsh Government response 

We recognise that reducing exposure to air pollution requires both individual and systemic action. The Delivery Plan will continue to prioritise interventions in areas of greatest need and support the development of infrastructure and policies that enable people to protect themselves. We will work with local authorities and community partners to ensure that resources and support are targeted where they are most needed.

Question 5

To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Delivery Plan will positively impact opportunities for people to use Welsh and will ensure Welsh is treated equally to English?

• Strongly agree: 6
• Agree: 11
• Neither agree or disagree: 9
• Disagree: 1
• Strongly disagree: 1

Summary analysis 

Most respondents agreed or neither agreed nor disagreed, with some seeing bilingual delivery as essential for inclusivity and engagement, especially in rural and Welsh-speaking communities. A few respondents felt the plan could do more to embed the Welsh language meaningfully across all actions, while others saw the issue as less relevant to air quality policy.

Welsh Government response

We are committed to ensuring that all communications and resources are available in both Welsh and English. We will continue to work with partners to embed the Welsh language across all aspects of the Delivery Plan, ensuring that everyone in Wales can access information and participate fully in efforts to improve air quality.

Question 6 

If you have any other relevant thoughts or comments on the Delivery Plan that you haven’t been able to share above, please provide them.

Responses to the consultation were generally supportive of the Delivery Plan’s aims, with many welcoming the focus on promoting awareness and empowering action. There was broad consensus on the importance of clear, accessible, and bilingual information, and the need for targeted education, especially for vulnerable groups, schools and health professionals. Some respondents highlighted gaps, such as limited focus on the natural environment, rural air quality and the role of businesses and enforcement. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of voluntary actions alone, the need for stronger engagement with stakeholders and the challenge of changing behaviours without wider systemic support. Despite differing views, there was widespread recognition of the need for joined-up communication, practical guidance, and stakeholder partnerships to help individuals and communities reduce both their exposure to, and contribution to, air pollution.

Following the consultation, the draft Delivery Plan has been revised and finalised to reflect the feedback received. This includes increasing the number of actions from 16 to 18, strengthening references to environmental impacts, providing clearer guidance for local authorities, and refining the behaviour-change elements. 

Welsh Government expects to publish the final Plan in March, following approval by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs. Work on implementation of the actions which run until 2028, will commence this spring. Initial work will be undertaken with our partners over the coming months to commence development of a national campaign strategy and supporting resources. Delivery will be supported by the Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Group which will continue to have an advisory role.