The world’s leading aviation hub, London, has been found to be the most exposed city to air pollution from aviation, with its six airports producing an estimated 3.23 million cars’ worth of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions every year. In comparison, residents of Tokyo and Dubai are exposed to 2.78 million cars’ worth of emissions from air traffic at their respective airports.
According to Transport & Environment, aviation pollution continues to grow significantly, with the greenhouse gas emissions of the world’s largest 20 airports being equivalent to 58 coal-fired power stations. Moreover, the researchers have revealed that Heathrow, London’s second-largest airport, produces a whopping 19.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and 5,844 tonnes of NOx, while its 37 tonnes of PM2.5 pollution places it 16th on the list of most polluting airports.
Despite the aviation sector’s commitment to better climate management, it appears that the industry’s recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic has not been accompanied by enough action, and that the sector’s climate and health impact is not improving. In order to protect the health of workers and communities surrounding airports, various measures must be implemented immediately, including night flight bans and jet fuel improvements. However, technology alone cannot solve the issue, and a reduction in the number of flights is ultimately needed to limit the expansion of airports and their impacts on climate and air quality.
