RantCrush Top 5: January 6, 2017

If you want some fresh air, don’t go to London. One particular road in the British capital has already breached the annual air pollution limits—five days into 2017. The law says that the hourly level of toxic nitrogen dioxide cannot exceed 200 micrograms per cubic meter more than 18 times in one year, but on Brixton Road in Lambeth, London, the limit was breached yesterday. Environmentalists called it a “shameful reminder of the severity of London’s air pollution.” Pollution is a big problem in London and causes around 5,900 deaths every year. Politicians have called it a public health emergency and this week, scientists even linked it to Alzheimer’s disease.

London breaches annual air pollution limit for 2017 in just five days. Well, at least they have established limits https://t.co/Zh7NEjDgOJ

— Jonathan Hawkins (@jvhawkins) January 6, 2017

Now, the government needs to produce a new draft plan by April. According to a spokesperson, the government is “firmly committed to improving the UK’s air quality and cutting harmful emissions.” But many ask to see less talk and more action.

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.