London Air Quality Findings Announced

A select panel of leaders from the corporate, government, academic and NGO sectors met for a round table event focused on raising awareness of, and identifying solutions to, London’s air quality challenges ahead of the Olympic Games.

Hosted by participants Defra, the event was run by Change London (UK), a social enterprise that works with businesses and boroughs in London to improve sustainability and air quality. The round table was the first stage in a new campaign to create awareness of high levels of air pollution in London and the solutions and policy changes that could mitigate the capital’s pollution.

Despite a widespread awareness of carbon and its role in global warming, emissions of other pollutants that affect air quality - such as nitrogen dioxide and particulates - are little understood, despite being one of the most serious environmental challenges we face today, not least because of their significant impact on human health.
Despite the significant efforts that have been made, London has some of the worst air quality problems in Europe - according to the London Assembly’s environment committee, more than 2,900 Londoners die early each year as a result of airborne pollution, and the cost to the economy is measured in billions.

The key unanimous findings of the roundtable were:
The public health challenge of poor air quality in London is a major concern that requires significant further attention, There is a pressing need to simplify and disseminate the public message in a responsible and informative way, The Change London scheme offers the potential to improve cross-sectoral collaboration in air quality data and projects and Change London will work with Defra, London boroughs, and major businesses to launch compelling calls to action during the next 3 weeks

Jonathan Steel, Change London Chairman, said "I'm particularly pleased that a meeting such as this with widely differing interests represented was unanimous in recognising the need for urgent action. I look forward to working with all participants and our existing membership to achieve the air quality improvements we need so badly in London."