This week, I read a fascinating science article titled, “Businesses
Take Action to Clean Up London’s Air” by Beth Gardiner published June 20, 2012 on the New York Times website.
(Click on this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/business/global/cleaning-londons-air-for-the-olympics.html?ref=airpollution&_r=1& ) .
(Click on this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/business/global/cleaning-londons-air-for-the-olympics.html?ref=airpollution&_r=1& ) .
This article focuses on businesses
that are putting forth effort into reducing the nitrogen dioxide pollution that
is mainly caused by specially equipped trucks
that have traveled around the capital spraying glue to stick sooty particles to
the ground in its worst traffic hotspots, since last year. Businesses have
taken small steps such as consolidating deliveries and encouraging employees to
walk to meetings, hoping that these little things will make a big difference in
the problem.
London
stands out in its nitrogen dioxide levels, which can be very dangerous to
people’s health by leading to respiratory trouble and aggravating heart
problems. To tackle the problem, businesses are developing technologies like
exhaust filtration or cleaner taxis, to improve the city’s air and make a
profit. Also, the British manufacturing company, Eminox is working with the bus
and train agency Transport for London on a pilot program to retrofit 18 buses
to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions. Kathye Henderson, an Eminox spokeswoman
said, “It’s a good example of a win-win, of something that’s beneficial for air
quality and helping businesses like ourselves to develop green technology”. What could be better than making money for
things that potentially have the ability to improve the environment? I can’t
think of anything.
This
article really made me realize that London must have a lot of air pollution,
since there are a lot of big buses travelling through the city, 24 hours a day.
When I visited the amazing city about a year ago, I learned that the city’s bus
network is one of the largest in the world. The article also reminded me of
“The Lorax” that we viewed in class, and the many machines in the Thneed
factory that caused air pollution. I learned that along with littering and
other environmental problems, air pollution is very harmful to the environment,
and the people in it. I didn’t know that nitrogen dioxide could be
life-threatening, as it could lead to a lot of health issues. I really think that the businesses in London
that are working hard to improve the air pollution, should pat themselves on
the back. Hopefully, they can motivate others to take action and make an even
bigger difference.
Picture
Citation:
Bus Stands in Heavy Traffic in Trafalgar
Square, London. N.d. Photograph. London. Web. 7 Oct. 2012.
<http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Air+Pollution+in+London&view=detail&id=BE7C3588098A64B8031793A429EE7F7C0335CC6B>.
Simran, I really enjoyed your blog post. I never knew that the nitrogen dioxide levels stand out in London. I find it really satisfying to know that there are people in our world realizing the impact things have on our world and they're finding a way to make it better and to improve on environmental issues. Air pollution is one of the biggest concerns around the world and I feel like you really captivated me with this article!
ReplyDeleteI found this post very interesting. I like how you related the Lorax and your trip to London to the article you read. I think air pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues and I had no idea London has high levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution. I like the idea that businesses in London are developing new technology to try and improve the situation. Maybe if the technology developed in London is successful in solving the air pollution issue, we can use that technology in other parts of the world that have the same problem.
DeleteI enjoyed your post as well. I recently have been hearing and seeing a lot about how London is becoming very polluted. This surprised me because usually when we hear about air pollution it has to do with places like India and other places is Asia. I agree with Nicole and Emma. I believe that air pollution is one of the biggest problems that we face. I was recently shown an article about how air pollution not only kills animals and other organisms in the environment, but it makes us more susceptible to having heart attacks and random asthma attacks. I think that once people realize that air pollution COULD be life threatening they will take more action.
ReplyDeleteThis post is extremely eye-opening. Once people start seeing that air pollution can effect them, not just someone or something else, they will want to take action. I'm glad that the "onceler" in London is finally taking responsibility for his/her effects on the environment. It is good that they are encouraging their workers to walk to work and trying to clean up the air in London. London has had a history on being polluted and it good that people are finally trying to fix it.
ReplyDeleteI thought your post was really well done, and the title definitely was what stood out to me. I never thought that London would be one of the cities with large amounts of air pollution, similar to cities like Los Angeles with all the smog. It's horrible that the pollution is starting to affect people in ways like heart problems and respiratory issues, but that will help people open their eyes and realize whats going on. Its good to hear that businesses are starting to take control and help clean the air, because without that, the pollution will only get worse.
ReplyDeleteSimran, I really enjoyed your blog post because it shows that even places as great as London have environmental problems that could affect the people who live there and the many tourists that visit London. I never knew that nitrogen dioxide could cause so many health problems. This article made me think of Boston because it is a major city near us. When I think of Boston, I do not picture a ton of car pollution and honking cars and buses. I picture many people walking across the streets when they see the flashing little man on the walking signal. When I compare the two major cities and tourist destinations, I realize that London does have a lot of tourist buses and they are known for their “double decker” buses whereas Boston is sometimes known for going “green” and having citizens walk. I think it is a great idea that the people of London are making buses with lower nitrogen dioxide emissions because it helps the city go green, and still allows tourists to see the amazing sights and normal citizens to get around their city. I think that if London makes an impact on our environment by reducing its nitrogen dioxide level, then many other cities around the world will follow in its footsteps.- Carolyn Lovvoll
ReplyDelete