London

In January 2017, London’s reading of air pollution level has shown that it has bypass Beijing for more than 48 hours (Howard 2017). The air pollution of London is comparable with Beijing now. According to the Air Quality Index, London reached a maximum – 197 for PM 2.5 where Beijing’s maximum are 190 in the same time period. Although London has an overall better air quality than Beijing, However, the amount of some pollutant such as SO2 and Ozone shares similar data compare to Beijing.

The air pollution limit has been broken within 5 days of 2017, the number of NO2/ m3 should not exist 200 micrograms in anywhere in London for 18th times. However, this limit is quickly violated when Brixton Road reaches the 19th time. In 2016, 60% of monitored sites has broken the limit and one of them reach the number of 1000 times. Paul Morozzo (clean air campaigner for Greenpeace) stated that government has not only failed to regulate on the usage of diesel cars but also encourages customers to buy diesel cars (MacCarthy 2017). Morozzo believes that car companies should only concentrate on hybrid and electric alternatives instead of diesel. According to Alan Andrew, The air pollution is an issue that requires consideration or solutions on a national scale (MacCarthy 2017).

Despite air pollution in London, London is considered as a candidate to the first zero-emission city. The recent Urban Mobility Index report by CEBR examines how cities approaching a low carbon future. According to Qualcomm, London is committed to a low emission future through many strategies and schemes such as bike share scheme and low emission zones (Sustainable Brands 2017). It has also invested in ultra- low emission vehicles and it serves for people in London.

I think that air quality is an important aspect in a sustainable city, it affects environmental and social aspect in sustainability. It leads to different issues such as the health of both human and environment. In my opinion, London is taking a lead in Europe to push the idea of sustainability by investing in low emission vehicles. Despite Morozzo stated that only improving and innovate on public transportation system cannot solve the problem. I personally consider that improving vehicles’ sustainable performances in public transportation is the first step. The innovative design can then be easily applied to other vehicles.

Howard, E. (2017, January 25). London's air pollution has been hitting levels worse than Beijing. Available at: http://energydesk.greenpeace.org/2017/01/24/london-air-pollution-worse-than-beijing (accessed May 1, 2017).

Sustainable Brands. (2017, April 27). London Driving UK Forward Towards Low- Carbon Circular Future. Available at: http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/next_economy/sustainable_brands/london_driving_uk_forward_towards_low-carbon_circular (accessed May 1, 2017).

MacCarthy Libby, London Surpasses Annual Air Pollution Limits 5 Days Into 2017; Mary Poppins Is Not Amused. Available at: http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/behavior_change/libby_maccarthy/london_surpasses_annual_air_pollution_limits_less_wee (accessed May 1, 2017).