On 23rd April, London reported dramatic improvements in its air quality following the coronavirus lockdown, with dangerous emissions at some of the capital’s busiest networks falling by almost 50% according to data released by Sadiq Khan.
The Mayor of London stated that anti-pollution measures introduced from 2017 had already led to a 35% drop across the capital of the harmful gas nitrogen dioxide, NO2 – rising to a 44% reduction inside central London’s ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ).
However following the reduction in tube services and with the introduction of the self-isolation measure , there have been further big reductions, with NO2 falling by a further 27% across London, and by almost half at some of the worst pollution hotspots. Whilst these figures highlight a massive reduction in NO2, particulate pollution, which comes largely from domestic wood burning and agriculture, and which is very harmful to human health, remains a severe threat in London. Air pollution, results in lung diseases, heart attacks, asthma, effects on pregnancies and on intelligence levels.
Due to coronavirus lockdown many cities across the UK have begun to unveil ambitious cycling and walking schemes to ensure people can commute whilst maintaining the environmental benefits, in terms of cleaner air and safer streets. However, the mayor has urged Londoners especially that these measures should not be temporary.
