This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Monday, 15 March 2021
Are We All Road-Kill?
The pollution associated with roads includes nanoparticles (from engines, tyres and brake linings); nitrogen dioxide (mainly from diesel engines), as well as noise and light. The detrimental effects of these pollutants on human health and wildlife are very well-documented. Their dangers have been known for decades and upper, legal limits specified. A recent study has found, however, that 94% of land in the UK, is affected by road pollution. In deed, 70% of our 'green and pleasant land' is affected by all four components (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/12/road-pollution-affects-94-of-britain-study-finds). The only way you can avoid road pollution in the UK, is to live near the top of a mountain. This, obviously, is not really possible for more than a handful of folk. It is remarkable so little has been done about reducing road pollutants in the UK. I suspect it reflects the power of the motoring lobby. One must stress, that even a transition to all electric vehicles, will not remove all sources of pollution from around our roads.
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