Black-led charity Poetic Unity calls for urgent political action as campaign continues to expose environmental racism in London. Air pollution in London may be dropping overall, but for Black and marginalised communities, the air is still far from clean. The Charity is spotlighting this racial injustice with its second annual community bike ride and campaign: Clean Air for The Ends on 22 June to increase awareness in line with National Clean Air Day (20 June).
Despite schemes like ULEZ, studies (see reference: National Centre for Atmosphere Science / Clean Air Programme) continue to show that Black and ethnic minority communities, particularly in areas like Lambeth and Southwark, are still breathing the most toxic air. Poetic Unity, which supports thousands of young Black people each year through creative programmes, argues that political solutions must go further, faster, and focus where the harm is greatest.
image001.jpg
Photo credit: Jayda David
Ryan J. Matthews-Robinson, CEO and Founder of Poetic Unity: “Air pollution is not just an environmental issue. It’s a racial justice issue. ULEZ isn’t improving the air for the communities most in need such as Black and working-class people living near the busiest roads, the fewest green spaces, and being ignored when policies are written. You can’t see dirty air—but you can feel its impact,” says Matthews-Robinson. It’s stunting lungs, fuelling asthma, and cutting lives short. Until policies are written with marginalised communities in mind we will continue to see disparities in justice.”
As part of the campaign, Poetic Unity has partnered with Forest Bikes who will be distributing free bikes to local residents on Sunday 22nd June. The public ride promotes not only alternative ways to move through the city, but also a sense of joy and resistance for communities too often sidelined in the climate conversation.
Laura Elms, Head of Sustainability, Forest said: “Forest is delighted to support Poetic Unity’s Annual Clean Air ride for a second consecutive year. This campaign brings to life a very real issue across the UK’s capital, that of air pollution. Air pollution is a silent killer and, crucially, the worst air pollution is most often found in areas of the city where black and ethnic minority residents make up the majority of the population.
The city needs to be doing more to address this imbalance because everyone deserves access to clean air. We believe that Forest bikes, alongside other sustainable mobility solutions, can help improve London’s air quality and we’re grateful to Poetic Unity for the work they’re doing to bring this issue to the fore.”
You can sign up and join the ride for free here: https://shoobs.com/events/108727/clean-air-for-the-ends-community-bike-ride
To support the campaign, donate to Poetic Unity here: www.PoeticUnity.org.uk
