London is the worst city for air pollution from aviation, according to a new study.
Researchers for the Transport & Environment think tank found planes taking off and landing in the capital’s airports pump out emissions equivalent to 3.23 million cars worth.
That compares to the next two worst affected cities – Tokyo and Dubai – where residents are exposed to emissions equal to 2.87 million cars.
The think tank’s aviation director Jo Dardenne said: “Pollution around airports is growing year on year.
“It affects millions of people, who breathe in toxic emissions and develop health conditions as a result, yet policymakers are brushing the problem under the carpet.
“Exponential growth of the sector and airports is incompatible with their climate goals, especially considering the slow uptake of clean technologies.
“The sector led us to believe that they would bounce back better after the pandemic. They’ve certainly bounced back – but without action, the sector’s climate and health impact isn’t going to get any better.”
The data comes from the 2024 Airport Tracker which also includes the impact of air freight journeys as well as passenger planes.
It found Dubai was the world’s most polluting airport accounting for 20.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in a single year with Heathrow second with responsibility for 19.1 million tonnes.
Earlier this year, the mother of a nine-year-old girl who died from asthma induced by pollution said she is bringing a High Court claim against the Government to help establish a legal “right to clean air”.
Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, from south-east London, suffered a fatal asthma attack in 2013 after being exposed to excessive air pollution.
In landmark coroner’s case in 2020, she became first person to have air pollution listed as a cause of death at an inquest in the UK.
Heathrow Airport has been approached for comment.
