It's a harsh reality: Even as air quality improves overall, the most vulnerable communities in England and Wales are still bearing the brunt of toxic air pollution. This is a story of environmental injustice, where the burden of dirty air disproportionately falls on those least able to cope with its effects.
Recent analysis reveals a complex picture. While air pollution levels have decreased by a third across England and Wales over the past decade, and the number of neighborhoods with the worst air quality has plummeted by 93%, the improvements haven't been evenly distributed. The data paints a stark contrast, highlighting a growing disparity.
But here's where it gets controversial... The remaining 5% of neighborhoods with the most extreme pollution are now disproportionately populated by people of color, those with low incomes, and non-drivers. These areas are often located in urban centers, like London and Manchester, where the concentration of pollution sources is high.
Let's break down the numbers. Long-term exposure to this toxic air can lead to a host of serious health problems, including asthma, lung disease, heart disease, cancer, and strokes. At the start of the decade, 30% of those in pollution hotspots were on low incomes, 20% were people of color, and 22% didn't own a car. Now, the situation is even more concerning: half the population are people of color, 48% are on the lowest incomes, and 60% don’t drive. These neighborhoods are also home to roughly 600,000 children, with two-thirds under the age of 12, and 1,234 schools.
In stark contrast, areas with air quality that meets World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines have populations where only 3% are people of color and 16% are income-deprived.
Beau Boka-Batesa, an air pollution campaigner from London and founder of Choked Up, echoes these concerns, stating that the data reflects the lived experiences of her and her community. She emphasizes the need to prioritize the most vulnerable in policy decisions to achieve environmental justice.
Friends of the Earth is calling for government action to address these inequalities, particularly given that much air pollution comes from transport, and many residents in the worst-affected areas don't even drive. Mike Childs, the head of science, policy, and research at Friends of the Earth, calls this a “grave environmental injustice.” He stresses the need to extend air quality improvements to the remaining hotspots and align the UK's legal limits for air quality with WHO guidelines. He suggests the chancellor increase funding for public transport, infrastructure for walking and cycling, and the adoption of electric vehicles.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs claims to be taking action, providing local authorities with £575 million since 2018 to improve air quality.
And this is the part most people miss... The very people who contribute the least to air pollution are suffering the most from its effects. What are your thoughts? Do you believe enough is being done to address these inequalities? Share your opinions in the comments below!
