A recent study by Friends of the Earth has found that over a quarter of neighbourhoods in England are suffering from high levels of pollution. Places where environmental degradation due to high levels of air, water, noise, and light pollution is evident have been designated as such.
Pollution levels highly harmful to wildlife in quarter of England’s neighbourhoods, research finds https://t.co/x8ay9zj9RJ
— Guardian Environment (@guardianeco) September 3, 2024
A study revealed that approximately 27.7% of neighbourhoods in England have high levels of environmental degradation. The hotspots are densely located in regions such as Chelsea-Fulham, Salford-Worsley-Eccles, Vauxhall-Camberwell, and Battersea specifically.
One sixth of all species in England are facing the threat of extinction because of its poor environmental condition.
The main contributors to pollution include chemical contamination, pesticides, sewage dumping, air pollution, and light pollution.
Post-Brexit, the UK has adopted a less restrictive stance on toxic substances, enabling the market availability and usage of more varieties of poisonous pesticides compared to EU regulations.
The UK government has begun to ease restrictions on water quality degradation.
Impact on wildlife
The presence of sewage and slurry in rivers leads to elevated nutrient levels, which contribute to an abundance of algae that can be detrimental to riverine ecosystems. Chemicals and pesticides seeping into rivers have devastating effects on fish and invertebrate populations, further compromising the stability of ecosystems worldwide.
The detrimental effects of air pollution are far-reaching, with a significant proportion of Britain’s native plant life being impacted, approximately two-thirds of species being affected, while the presence of light pollution adds layer of complexity by confusing nocturnal creatures like bats and moths, thereby hindering their ability to navigate through their natural habitats.
The organisation is now pressing the Labour government to take concrete steps towards enshrining the right to a clean and healthy environment in law through the introduction of an environmental rights act.
The proposed Environmental Rights Act seeks to equip community groups with the necessary tools to hold accountable those in positions of power who are entrusted with reducing pollution.