2024 Pollution, Waste & Air Winner - Sadiq Khan
About the category
This category recognises UK politicians who have done the most to reduce pollution, better tackle waste and promote clean air.
The ideal candidate will have gone above and beyond the role expected of them to promote policies which reduce pollution and tackle with waste sustainably.
In 2024, the Pollution, Waste & Air award was presented to Sadiq Khan, for facing down significant political pressure to follow through with the expansion of ULEZ, aimed at securing cleaner air for those living on the outer reaches of the capital.
The award was handed over by Choked Up, a youth-led organisation that campaigns for cleaner air in some of the UK's most affected communities. You can find out more about their work here.
The 2024 Pollution, Waste & Air Shortlist
Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham
Burnham introduced plan for Greater Manchester to become the first cityregion to deliver a carbon neutral transport network. The city region’s bus fleet will be 50% electric by 2027 and 100% electric within a decade,
a move that would singlehandedly reduce carbon emissions by 1.1 million tonnes. The Greater Manchester Ring and Ride fleet will also transition to zero emission technology by 2027.
Sadiq Khan
Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham
In August 2023 Sadiq Khan expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone, designed to reduce air pollution throughout London, to cover all London boroughs. The new zone brings cleaner air to five million more people and is
also expected to reduce carbon emissions in outer London by a further 27,000 tonnes. Khan resisted significant political pressur
In August 2023 Sadiq Khan expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone, designed to reduce air pollution throughout London, to cover all London boroughs. The new zone brings cleaner air to five million more people and is
also expected to reduce carbon emissions in outer London by a further 27,000 tonnes. Khan resisted significant political pressure to push ULEZ expansion through and was rewarded with an increased majority in the 2023 mayoral elections.
Lorna Slater
Caroline Lucas
Caroline Lucas
As the Scottish Government’s Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Slater oversaw a Bill requiring the Scottish Government to introduce measures to help develop a circular economy, supporting Scotland’s move towards achieving a net zero society.
Caroline Lucas
Caroline Lucas
Caroline Lucas
In 2023, Lucas authored an open letter calling for action on air pollution to protect the health of children in urban areas. In January 2024, Lucas reintroduced the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill. This was then followed up with strong commitments to rectify air pollution and establish a ‘right to clean air’ in the Green manifesto.