Why Sustainability is Good for Public Health  

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To reflect on Matt Sawyer’s insights and share them with your colleagues, please click below to download his slides.

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Air pollution and preventable illness

Air pollution is one of the most serious but overlooked public health risks. Around nine million people worldwide die prematurely each year as a result of air pollution and physical inactivity, equivalent to approximately 14 to 15 percent of all deaths. In the UK, air pollution is linked to roughly 38,000 premature deaths every year. 

It is the fourth largest contributor to ill health in the UK, after tobacco use, poor diet and high blood pressure. Exposure to pollutants from petrol and diesel vehicles has been directly associated with asthma, heart disease, strokes, and even dementia – especially in men over 50. Children exposed to pollution may experience stunted lung growth and higher rates of respiratory conditions. 

Around nine million people worldwide die prematurely each year as a result of air pollution and physical inactivity, equivalent to approximately 14 to 15 percent of all deaths.

The disproportionate damage of diesel

Diesel vehicles are among the most harmful to human health. According to Dr Sawyer, per mile travelled, they cause 20 times more health-related damage than electric vehicles. Despite a decline in sales, diesel cars still account for 90 percent of the health costs associated with transport-related air pollution. 

Reducing diesel use is therefore a vital step in protecting public health. As cities and organisations look to decarbonise their fleets and embrace clean air policies, this presents an opportunity to save lives as well as cut emissions. 

Health, climate and the case for active travel

Transport remains one of the UK’s highest-emitting sectors, contributing nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. It is also responsible for 50 percent of nitrous oxide emissions and around 25 percent of small particulate matter in the air – both of which are linked to long-term health conditions. 

Encouragingly, shifting more journeys to active travel and public transport could reduce transport-related emissions by around 7 percent, according to the Committee on Climate Change. The health benefits are also significant: physically active commuting reduces risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. 

Children from households without access to a car are 2.5 times more likely to walk to school, suggesting that structural inequalities also influence health outcomes. Dr Sawyer urged people to embrace multi-modal journeys and make small changes where possible. 

What employers can do

Workplaces have a key role in supporting health-focused transport choices. Employers can implement active travel policies, invest in cycle storage and shower facilities, and support initiatives like clean air zones. Encouraging walking, cycling and public transport also benefits organisations directly. 

Employees who commute actively report 60 percent higher productivity, and lower levels of sickness absence. Supporting healthy commuting is therefore good for staff wellbeing and business performance. 

Employees who commute actively report 60 percent higher productivity, and lower levels of sickness absence.

Cleaner air, better lives

The results of clean air initiatives speak for themselves. In Bradford, clean air zones have contributed to a 25 percent reduction in respiratory and cardiovascular problems. In London, air quality improvements have led to a 30 percent drop in key pollutants and fewer hospital admissions. 

As Dr Sawyer noted: “When the air gets cleaner, people get healthier.” Sustainable commuting is not only an environmental imperative but a public health intervention with the power to improve lives, reduce health inequalities, and build stronger communities. 

Download Matt’s ZC3 keynote slides

To reflect on Matt Sawyer’s insights and share them with your colleagues, please click below to download his slides.

DOWNLOAD MATT’S SLIDES