TUCAN to host seminar: ‘Air Pollution and other climate risks’

The Trade Union Clean Air Network (TUCAN) is partnering with the TUC and the University and College Union (UCU) to host a seminar titled  ‘Air Pollution and other climate risks’ on Wednesday, June 18th.

As a hybrid meeting, people are free to attend in person or online. Those interested in popping along should head to the UCU Conference Room, 4th Floor, Carlow Street, London NW1 7LH (Mornington Crescent is the nearest tube).

The event is scheduled to run from 10am – 12:30pm and anyone interesting in attending, whether in-person or online, should register here.

TUCAN is an alliance of 14 trade unions campaigning to ensure that workers have a healthy environment in which to earn a living. We have previously reported on their campaign to improve air quality in two food halls in Tooting.

Last year the Greater London Authority (GLA) published a Climate Resilience Review. TUCAN welcomed the review but called on regional and local authorities to work with trade unions and others to ensure that the gaps around climate justice and a worker voice are addressed.

The event is designed to highlight some of the key areas that need engagement with the workforce. It will cover air pollution, flooding, extreme heat and other risks where workers are exposed to environmental impacts.

AGENDA

10.00 Welcome address – Sam Gurney (TUC LESE Regional Secretary)

10.10 Panel 1: Air pollution and workers’ health and safety

• Chair – Marianne Quick (UCU Environment Policy Officer)
• Paul White (LB Wandsworth Cabinet Member for the Environment) and Jason Andrews (LB Wandsworth Air Quality Lead)
• Frank Kelly (Imperial College)
• Patrick Bennett (NEU Policy Officer)
• Livi Elsmore (Healthy Air Coalition)

11.20 Break

11.30 Panel 2: Other climate risks

• Chair – Mick Holder (TUCAN)
• Sophie O’Connell (Green Alliance Senior Policy Adviser)
• Graham Petersen (Greener Jobs Alliance)

12.15 Keynote address – Mete Coban (Deputy Mayor Environment, GLA)

12.30 Lunch, networking and refreshments

The seminar is part of an ongoing programme in the 2025 TUC Year of Climate Action to provide guidance and resources for unions on how to respond to this challenge.