Leeds

Almost 700 people in Leeds will die this year from illnesses related to air pollution. Regionally, Leeds is a hotspot for air pollution in Yorkshire and nationally it is the third worst polluted city in the UK. Responding to the health crisis caused by air pollution already costs the local public health economy £480 million and Leeds’ failure to meet EU targets on air quality – it is one of seven major UK cities in breach of legal levels - will incur massive financial penalties by 2020. All this on top of the human misery and suffering of illness caused by air pollution, including cancer, heart disease, strokes and respiratory illness. Traffic pollution has even been linked to the increasing incidence of dementia. The transportation sector is also responsible for around a quarter of UK greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change, while industrial emissions, which also contribute to air quality, make up another quarter. With Leeds already chosen by the government to become one of five Clean Air Zones in England, what will it take to deliver this ambitious plan and change living and working in Leeds for the better, for all? Our Climathon asks the question, ‘How can Leeds start a clean air revolution?’ because the city – and the country - needs nothing less. The North of England powered the original Industrial Revolution; today we are facing the consequences of that dirty fossil-fuel generated progress. We want the Northern Powerhouse, epitomised by Leeds, to invert that legacy and start a Clean Air Revolution, continuing to make invest in progress that will help to create healthier people and a healthier planet. To that end, we are encouraging visionary thinking and creative approaches to help trigger innovation and enterprise and exciting fresh approaches. We have teamed up with Future Earth, the Tyndall Centre and the Priestley International Centre for Climate to add a virtual reality theme to our Climathon, providing a means to visualise ideas, project scenarios and excite minds. The VR element is intended to help provide a window into alternatives and increases accessibility. Whether you are a storyteller or an entrepreneur, artist or scientist, dreamer or data cruncher, transport planner or teacher, student or citizen, if you are interested in starting a Clean Air Revolution , we want you to be part of our Leeds Climathon! ​