Telling the story of Clean Air through Birmingham voices
Published: 13th May 2021
Birmingham City Council launches a thought provoking film today (Thursday 13 May) on the city’s journey to clean air.
Brum Breathes: A Better Birmingham is a short film about the impact of air pollution on the city and the steps being taken towards cleaner air, created ahead of the launch of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone, commencing 1 June 2021.
Produced by Birmingham-based Blue Monday and Story Comms, the film looks at the issue of poor-quality air from the perspectives of residents, a parent of a child with asthma, as well as businesses and leaders.
Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport Environment has said: “Breathing clean air is a basic human right and the Clean Air Zone is the start of our journey towards a better Birmingham and a safer and greener environment for our communities.
“This film shares important stories of those who have been impacted and the brilliant things businesses and organisations are doing to support a safer future for us all. My deepest thanks go out to all who have supported this."
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone is the first major step as part of Birmingham’s Air Quality Action Plan working to reduce emissions and encourage, where possible, less use of polluting cars within the city centre.
Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health for Birmingham City Council, who has also contributed to the film, added: “Air pollution is a hidden danger that we just cannot ignore. The crisis will only continue to worsen if no action is taken.
"Toxic fumes affect our lungs, our hearts and even our brains, the damage pollution does is both short and long term when it comes to health. We have a city to protect and this is just one of steps we are taking to give a better future to our children and improve the lives of our adults and older people.”
Watch the Brum Breathes: A Better Birmingham video now
Contributors to the film:
- Matilda Barber
- Dr Justin Varney- Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council
- Leah Ward and Lucy Ward- Birmingham residents
- Satnam and Simerjit Bhogal- Birmingham residents
- Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE- Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council
- Chris Coyle- Bicycle Mayor of Birmingham
- Afzal Hussain- Deputy Headteacher at Adderley Primary School
- Sandra Green- Possible
- Naeem Alvi- Founder and Director of Notepad