Summary of key points

This response focuses on the
impacts of air quality on the natural environment in the context of
UK nature conservation policies and obligations.

There is strong evidence of the
effects of air pollution on semi-natural ecosystems in the UK.
Large areas of sensitive ecosystems remain at risk from
atmospheric deposition in 2020. This includes nature
conservation sites protected under national and European
legislation.

The UK‟s monitoring networks for
concentrations and deposition of the main atmospheric air
pollutants are adequate. There is a need to review monitoring
requirements in respect of ecosystem impacts. JNCC is funding
work in this area in collaboration with Defra and the country
conservation agencies.

The Government‟s understanding
of, and commitment to, investigating the environmental risks of air
quality at a broad level is good. However, there is a need
for more work to interpret effects in relation to policies for
biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Impacts on ecosystem services
should be a central part of air pollution policy alongside human
health. There are synergies between air pollution policies focused
on human health and environmental health.

The UK Air Quality Strategy
should give greater attention to protection of ecosystems,
including more ambitious targets.