#BeatAirPollution this World Environment Day, Wednesday 5 June
Worldwide, 91% of people live in areas where air quality exceeds the recommended limit in the World Health Organisation's guidelines. Find out what actions you can take at the University of Edinburgh for World Environment Day.
Walking
If you are able, regular walking can improve your health, save you money and reduce your impact on the environment.
Cycling
For World Environment Day, Just Eat Cycles, Edinburgh's cycle hire scheme, have a half price offer on their annual passes, for £45. Available until midnight, Sunday 9 June.
To celebrate Bike Week 2019 (8 - 16 June) and the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling (6 - 16 June), the University's Transport Office are offering staff and students free led cycle rides and a drop in puncture repair session.
Find out more about cycling at the University
Edinburgh city consultations
The City of Edinburgh Council has launched a consultation on their proposed Low Emission Zones which closes 21 July.
Participate in the consultation
There is also a consultation taking place on street improvements from the Meadows to George Street.
Sign up to the mailing list Find out more and give your views on concept designs by 7 July
Our vision is to transform cycling, walking, public spaces and accessibility for all on some of Edinburgh’s busiest and most iconic streets.
The project will provide key walking and cycling improvements from Teviot Place along Forrest Road, George IV Bridge and Hanover Street to George Street. As an important part of the Edinburgh City Centre Transformation Strategy, it will be one of the first projects to deliver major street improvements.
Public transport
Making use of buses, trains and trams to get around Edinburgh instead of driving or getting a taxi helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and therefore the fumes people around the city have no choice but to breathe in.
Find out more about public transport
Electric vehicles
Using alternatives to vehicles run on fossil fuels is a great start for keeping our air clean.
In the UK, public electric vehicle charging points 'now outnumber petrol stations’, making the transition to electric vehicles easier than ever.
Find out more about electric vehicles at the University
Did you know? 30% of the University of Edinburgh Estates' fleet now have zero emissions (Estates' vehicles make up around a third of University vehicles). More charging points have been installed across the University, with more planned to meet growing demand. The move to electric vehicles is part of our commitment to becoming zero carbon by 2040.
Find out more about Estates' electric fleet
Guidance on sustainable travel
Students: find out more about sustainable travel
Staff: find out more about sustainable travel
More sources of air pollution
Other causes of reduced air quality besides transport include household, industry, agriculture and waste.
Find out about more sources of air pollution
Are you planning to make a positive change this World Environment Day? Tag us on social media, and use the hashtag #BeatAirPollution.