Recommendation 34

Ammonia emissions have remained broadly stable since 2007, with the latest data implying that the UK missed its 2020 ceiling for this pollutant.60 We heard from Defra that it only became clear that this target would be missed when the annual projections were published in 2021, and that it has applied for a legal adjustment to take account of new emissions sources that have emerged since the target was set.61 Addressing ammonia emissions will require significant behavioural change in the agricultural sector, which accounts for around 87% of ammonia emissions.62 Government has not set further targets to 2040 for Ammonia through the Environment Act, but has instead focussed on targets for particulate matter, which is believed to be the air pollutant of greatest harm to human health.63 We heard that significant steps have been taken to address particulate matter pollution in recent months, such as the introduction of restrictions on the sale of wet wood and the phasing out of traditional house coal for domestic use, and that progress will be monitored and adjusted through annual projections.64 59 C&AG’s Report, para 3.23 60 C&AG’s Report, para 10 61 Q 16 62 Q 3 63 C&AG’s Report, para 1.7 64 Qq 71–73 16 Tackling local air quality breaches