95% neighbourhoods' air quality unsafe despite air pollution drop

• Air quality unsafe in 95% of neighbourhoods despite air pollution falling by 40% over the last 10 years, new analysis reveals
• This is even with a 40% drop in air pollution over the last decade, according to Friends of the Earth, who call for a faster transition to electric vehicles and better public transport
• Neighbourhoods with the highest air pollution levels were also found to have the fewest car drivers 

The overwhelming majority of neighbourhoods (95%) in England and Wales have unsafe air pollution levels, according to analysis out today from the environmental justice organisation Friends of the Earth. These levels remain high in spite of the fact that air pollution has fallen by 40% over the last decade. 

Analysing the latest air pollution data from the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Friends of the Earth has created a map that identifies neighbourhoods with air pollution levels that exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5).  

The group has found that 7% - or approximately 1 in 20 - of neighbourhoods have levels double that of NO2 or PM2.5 pollution recommended by WHO. 

The research also identified 23,656 schools as being affected by high air pollution, potentially impacting the development of children's lungs in these areas. 

Neighbourhoods with the highest amount of pollution are also home to the fewest car drivers, despite road transport being the greatest contributor to the health-threatening pollutants. 

Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said:

"It's unfair that those least responsible for air pollution are most likely to face the greatest consequences. 

“The Chancellor must prioritise the switch to electric vehicles and invest in public transport in the upcoming Spending Review, which will not only help to slash planet-warming emissions but also improve air quality. This will benefit millions of young and older people who are particularly at risk of the harmful health effects of bad air.  

“The government's forthcoming climate plan must be both fair and ambitious to ensure our climate targets are met and that everyone benefits from the transition to a low carbon future, in the way of cleaner air, warmer homes, cheaper energy bills and sustainable jobs in green industries.”  

The research was produced for Friends of the Earth's campaign for a fair and ambitious climate plan. Some of the data featured in The Fairness Test, a report which spells out the steps that must be taken across transport, homes and industry to ensure that meeting climate goals reduces, rather than exacerbates, inequalities. Schools data and local authority data was not included in the report.  

ENDS