Black communities in London are disproportionately more likely to breathe illegal levels of air pollution than white and Asian ones, new research seen exclusively by the Guardian shows. Southwark, Lambeth and Hackney were among the boroughs with an overlap of both a higher proportion of black residents and the higher pollution levels. “This research shows the disproportionate impact air pollution has on deprived communities in London,” said Aether’s director, Katie King. In total, 1.9 million people in London were exposed to NO2 concentrations above the EU’s annual average limit. Next week the government faces a court case brought by environmental law firm ClientEarth over what it says is an inadequate plan to reduce NO2 pollution.

Source: The Guardian October 10, 2016 15:11 UTC