'Grave environmental injustice': Study shows poorest areas in England, Wales still breathing dirtiest air

ISTANBUL

Despite a sharp fall in overall air pollution across England and Wales, the poorest and most diverse communities continue to bear the brunt of toxic air, according to a new analysis by Friends of the Earth.

The Guardian reported on Wednesday that the study found people of color, low-income households, and non-drivers are now “disproportionately overrepresented” in the 5% of neighborhoods still exposed to the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — often concentrated in urban centers like London and Manchester.

“This data uncovers a story of grave environmental injustice,” said Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth. “It’s unacceptable that those least responsible for air pollution are the ones left to breathe extraordinarily high levels of health-damaging dirty air.”

Campaigner Beau Boka-Batesa, who co-founded Choked Up during the pandemic, said the findings reflect “our lived experience.”

“Growing up, a lot of friends or family either had chronic illnesses or asthma… we need to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our communities are actively at the forefront of policy,” she added.

Although air pollution has fallen by a third in the past decade, the charity urged the government to bring legal limits in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standards and increase funding for clean transport in the upcoming budget.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “Air pollution is a public health issue and we are taking action to tackle it across the country,” citing $748 million (£575 million) in local authority funding since 2018.