Author(s)

I. Gegisian, M. Grey, J. Irwin & J. W. S. Longhurst

Abstract

This paper will investigate the relationship between social deprivation and environmental quality, referred to as Environmental Justice. Specifically it examines the formulation, structure and implementation of the UK’s Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) system in terms of its possible impacts on social equity. Under the LAQM system Local Authorities (LAs) are required to identify areas, known as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), where air quality objectives cannot be met. LAs that have declared AQMAs are also required to produce Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs); these are reports that inform the government of, amongst other things, the mitigations strategies to be adopted by the LA. This paper will present the initial findings on the level of social deprivation within the AQMAs. The methodological complexities of computing deprivation within AQMAs are also discussed. An assessment of the inclusion of social issues within the LAQM process is undertaken by appraising AQAPs. The paper will review the method adopted by LAs in developing AQAPs and examine the extent to which social considerations are included in the plans. The overall project aim is to provide a decision support process in which social issues are considered in the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental policies. Keywords: Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), local air quality management, environmental justice, social equity.

Keywords

Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), local air quality management, environmental justice, social equity.