Huw Irranca-Davies, 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.