London has suffered from terrible air pollution for at least seven centuries. Why is the city so prone to its famous “London fog?” What did London do to get rid of its air pollution?
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During the 19th century, the increase in industrialisation in the major cities of Britain gave rise to a dramatic increase in air pollution. Throughout the autumn months, during periods of calm, smoke particles from industrial plumes would mix with fog giving it a yellow-black colour. Such smogs, as they became known, often settled over cities for many days. Wind speeds would be low at these times causing the smog to stagnate, with pollution levels increasing near ground level. London became quite famous for its smogs, and many visitors came to see the capital in the fog.
During the first part of the 20th century, tighter industrial controls and the declining importance of coal as a domestic fuel led to a reduction in smog pollution in urban areas. However, on December 4th 1952, an anticyclone settled over London. The wind dropped and the air grew damp; a thick fog began to form. The Great London Smog lasted for five days and led to around four thousand more deaths than usual. The deaths were attributed to the dramatic increase in air pollution during the period, with levels of sulphur dioxide increasing 7-fold, and levels of smoke increasing 3-fold. The peak in the number of deaths coincided with the peak in both smoke and sulphur dioxide pollution levels.
In response to the Great London Smog, the Government passed its first Clean Air Act in 1956, which aimed to control domestic sources of smoke pollution by introducing smokeless zones. In addition, the introduction of cleaner coals led to a reduction in sulphur dioxide pollution.
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London's famous "London fog" is a result of the city's historical air pollution problem. There are several factors that contribute to London's susceptibility to air pollution:
1. Topography: London is located in a basin, surrounded by hills. This geographical feature traps pollutants in the air and prevents them from dispersing easily.
2. Industrialization: As one of the world's major industrial centers, London has a long history of heavy industrial activities. Factories and power plants historically burned coal, which emitted significant amounts of smoke and pollutants into the air.
3. Population density: London has a high population density, which means more vehicles, factories, and other sources of pollution in a confined space.
4. Weather conditions: Specific weather patterns, such as temperature inversions and stagnant air, can contribute to the formation of fog and smoke lingering in the city.
To tackle the air pollution problem, London has taken various measures over the years:
1. Clean Air Acts: In the mid-20th century, the Clean Air Acts were enacted to regulate emissions from industrial sources, such as power plants and factories. These acts aimed at reducing smoke emissions from coal burning.
2. Transition to cleaner fuels: As the harmful effects of coal burning became apparent, London gradually shifted away from coal as a primary energy source. Cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, have been adopted in power plants and households.
3. Vehicle emission controls: London has implemented initiatives to reduce vehicle emissions, such as congestion charges and low emission zones. These measures discourage high-polluting vehicles from entering the city center and encourage the use of public transport or low-emission vehicles.
4. Green spaces and tree planting: London has focused on creating more green spaces and planting trees to improve air quality. Vegetation helps absorb pollutants and reduces the concentration of harmful substances in the air.
5. International agreements: London has also benefited from international agreements on air pollution control, such as the European Union's air quality standards. Participation in these agreements has helped London adopt stricter regulations and cooperate with other cities in addressing air pollution issues.
Although air pollution remains a concern in London, these efforts have significantly improved air quality compared to its historical levels of the "London fog."
London's historical problem with air pollution and the infamous "London fog" can be attributed to a combination of geographical and meteorological factors, as well as human activities.
1. Geography: London is located on a relatively flat and low-lying terrain, which affects air circulation patterns. The city is surrounded by hills and positioned on the banks of the River Thames, creating a bowl-shaped basin. These geographic features can trap pollutants within the city, hindering their dispersion.
2. Weather conditions: London experiences frequent temperature inversions, especially during the colder months. A temperature inversion occurs when warm air sits above a layer of colder air, creating a stable atmospheric condition. This condition traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to the formation of smog and London fog.
3. Human activities: Throughout history, London's air pollution problem was exacerbated by a variety of human activities. Coal burning for heating and industry, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, released significant amounts of smoke, soot, and sulfur dioxide into the air. Inadequate waste management and the burning of biomass for cooking also contributed to the problem.
To tackle air pollution, London has implemented several measures over the years:
1. Clean Air Acts: The first Clean Air Act was passed in 1956, followed by an updated version in 1968. These acts brought regulations to control domestic and industrial emissions of smoke and pollutants. They aimed to improve air quality by introducing smokeless zones, promoting smokeless fuels, and prohibiting the burning of certain materials.
2. Transition away from coal: London shifted away from coal as its primary source of heating and energy. Starting in the 1950s and accelerating in the 1960s, coal use decreased as cleaner alternative fuels, such as natural gas and electricity, became more widespread.
3. Vehicle emissions control: Stricter regulations were implemented to control emissions from vehicles. The introduction of catalytic converters, stricter emission standards, and the promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles helped reduce the impact of transport-related pollution.
4. Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): London introduced LEZ in 2008 and ULEZ in 2019. These zones restrict the entry of vehicles that don't meet certain emission standards, aiming to reduce pollution levels in congested areas.
5. Public transport improvements: Investments in public transport infrastructure, such as the expansion of the London Underground and improvements in bus networks, have encouraged residents and commuters to use public transportation instead of private vehicles, reducing overall emissions.
It's important to note that while significant progress has been made, air pollution still remains an ongoing concern in London. The city continuously monitors air quality and implements new policies and initiatives to mitigate pollution and its effects.