June 19th 2025 marks Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest campaign focused on air pollution and its impact on our health and environment. Coordinated by Global Action Plan, the day raises awareness and encourages action on one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time – air pollution. While the causes of air pollution are complex and varied, one powerful solution is staring us in the face – clean, renewable energy.

Why Clean Air Day Matters

Air pollution is linked to up to 43,000 early deaths each year in the UK, according to the Royal College of Physicians. It can worsen asthma, heart disease, and even cognitive decline in children and older adults, costing the UK economy, and National Health Service, billions annually. Do you know what the air pollution levels are where you live? If you’re interested in finding out, you can check them out here with a simple postcode search. If the result of your search shocks you, don’t panic. By switching to cleaner energy sources such as solar, we can directly tackle one of the major contributors to air pollution, which is fossil fuel combustion.

Source: Action For Clean Air

The Role of Fossil Fuels in Air Pollution

Much of the air pollution in urban areas comes from the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, heating systems, and electricity generation. While we’ve made fantastic progress in recent decades in cutting emissions from power stations in the UK, and the thick London smogs are a thing of the very distant past, many homes still rely on gas boilers. In addition to this, much of our electricity mix still includes carbon-heavy sources. This is where solar and renewable energy step in.

How Solar Power Helps Clean the Air

Every time a solar panel is installed – whether on a rooftop or in a solar farm – it displaces the need for electricity generated by fossil fuels. Here’s how that helps:

  • Zero emissions at the source: Solar panels generate electricity without producing nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, or carbon dioxide – all harmful pollutants linked to poor air quality. By removing the reliance on natural gas boilers, every time you see a solar installation in a residential area, that air gets that little bit cleaner!
  • Decentralised energy production: Solar can be installed close to where energy is used (often on your roof!), reducing the need for long-distance transmission and the emissions tied to energy loss.
  • Cleaner transport: When paired with electric vehicles (EVs), solar energy can power cars with sunlight instead of petrol or diesel, which cuts down on toxic exhaust fumes in our towns and cities. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) come mostly from burning fuels and or other materials, so levels are especially high around roads in areas with fewer EVs.
Can you guess which year EV production really took off?
Source: Emissions of air pollutants in the UK – Nitrogen oxides (NOx) – GOV.UK

Other Renewables and Organisations Making a Difference

Wind energy, hydropower, and even biogas from food waste or sewage are all playing a growing role in decarbonising the UK’s energy mix. Wind turbines, in particular, are now responsible for a third of the UK’s electricity, which is an incredible shift over the last decade. Investing in these technologies also means cleaner air for everyone, especially in areas near power plants, busy roads, and industrial zones that have historically borne the brunt of pollution.

The UK government launched its Clean Air Strategy in 2019, which sets out their plans for dealing with sources of air pollution. This includes things like developing new guidance on things that create pollution like tyres, brakes and wood stoves, and they are also working to make sure that only the cleanest fuels are available for sale.

Local authorities have a number of responsibilities for local air quality: every authority is required to regularly review and assess air quality in their area. Furthermore, they are also required to produce annual reviews of air quality, and action plans to improve or safeguard air quality within those areas. You can find the latest air quality reviews and plans on local authority webpages.

What YOU Can Do This Clean Air Day

  • Go renewable: If you own your home, consider installing solar panels – a proven way to save money and commit to protecting the environment. As a company, Carter Renewables install solar PV on a weekly basis, so contact us today for more information and instant quotes. If you’re not a homeowner, look into green energy tariffs from your supplier – many offer 100% renewable electricity plans.
  • Travel smart: Walk, cycle, or use public transport. Better yet, power your EV with green electricity that you have generated yourself on your rooftop!
  • Support local initiatives: Councils and community groups across the UK are hosting Clean Air Day events – join one and learn how to support local air quality efforts. If there isn’t one close to you, consider writing to your MP using this simple online form, asking them to commit to championing clean air.

Looking Ahead

Clean Air Day is not just a moment – it’s a movement. As the UK works toward its net zero goals by 2050, solar and other renewables will be crucial in cutting both carbon emissions and airborne pollutants.

So this June 19th, take a deep breath and think about the energy powering your home, your transport, and your lifestyle. A cleaner, healthier future really is within reach – it starts with clean energy (and getting in touch with Carter Renewables for professional advice and guidance about how we can get you there!)