Here is another good argument (as if it were needed) for using electric vehicles whenever possible. In towns and cities it is very likely that most of the vehicle on the road are 'local commuters' or delivery vehicles doing 'the last five miles.' All of these could be replaced with EVs.
Friends of the Earth Scotland published a report on 26 January 2014, highlighting pollution levels in Scottish towns and cities in 2013. Air pollution in Scotland continues to be a silent killer and prime contributor to lung disease. There is increasing evidence that long term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of having a heart attack.
The environment group’s analysis of official data of three key pollutants* shows high levels of air pollution in some of Scotland’s busiest streets, despite targets which were supposed to have been met in 2005 and 2010.
Emilia Hanna, Air Pollution Campaigner for Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Air pollution has remained the biggest environmental threat to people in Scotland in 2013. Fumes from cars, lorries, buses and factories are killing off more people than car crashes. Air pollution is like passive smoking, we do not choose to breathe in this poisonous air, it is inflicted upon us...”
Friends of the Earth Scotland published a report on 26 January 2014, highlighting pollution levels in Scottish towns and cities in 2013. Air pollution in Scotland continues to be a silent killer and prime contributor to lung disease. There is increasing evidence that long term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of having a heart attack.
The environment group’s analysis of official data of three key pollutants* shows high levels of air pollution in some of Scotland’s busiest streets, despite targets which were supposed to have been met in 2005 and 2010.
Emilia Hanna, Air Pollution Campaigner for Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Air pollution has remained the biggest environmental threat to people in Scotland in 2013. Fumes from cars, lorries, buses and factories are killing off more people than car crashes. Air pollution is like passive smoking, we do not choose to breathe in this poisonous air, it is inflicted upon us...”
*Nitrogen Dioxide, NO2 *Particulate Matter: Fine Particles (PM2.5) *Particulate matter: Small Particles (PM10)
For the report see: Friends of the Earth Scotland.
For the report see: Friends of the Earth Scotland.
Graphs, Tables and Map. Click on image for a larger view. |
Why "Dirty Old Towns?" I was asked why the post was entitled "Dirty Old Towns" in quotes; it's a rather circuitous story and telling it rather shows my age, but here goes. As I was preparing this post the death was announced of the folk singer and activist Pete Seeger; Pete's half sister Peggy Seeger was the first wife of British folk singer Ewan MacColl who wrote and sang the ballad "Dirty Old Town." So an item about pollution in Scottish towns and cities, the announcement of the death of a well known person and his links with another like mind and the inevitable association with a song gave an appropriate blog post title. | The original and best with Peggy Seeger. Photographs of Salford in 50s and 60s - the original 'Dirty Old Town' where MacColl grew up. The music starts folksy but as the clarinet comes in it's pure traditional jazz. Nothing to do with EVs. Just enjoy it! |