Toxic Air and Social Justice: The Unequal Burden of Air Pollution

Written By Michael Shilling

On Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, we were invited to the historic halls of the Palace of Westminster, which became the focal point of a vital discussion on environmental justice. The event, titled “Toxic Air and Social Justice: The Unequal Burden of Air Pollution,” was orchestrated by Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP. It convened a diverse assembly of political leaders, journalists, academics, and campaigners to delve into the pressing issue of air pollution and its disproportionate impact on marginalised communities.

Air pollution has long been recognized as an environmental concern, but its intersection with social justice has garnered increasing attention. Studies have consistently shown that Black, ethnic minority, and low-income groups bear a heavier burden of exposure to toxic air. This exposure exacerbates health disparities, leading to higher rates of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths within these communities.

The event aimed to shed light on these disparities, discuss the underlying causes, and explore policy solutions to address the environmental injustices perpetrated by air pollution.

Toxic Air and Social Justice

The gathering was marked by insightful discussions, personal testimonies, and a collective call to action. The audience comprised a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, health professionals, environmental activists, and community leaders, all united by a shared commitment to environmental justice.

The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers who provided diverse perspectives on the issue:

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, enriching the discussion with their expertise and personal experiences.

Keynote Address: Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP opened the event by framing air pollution as a critical issue of social and racial justice. She highlighted that ethnic minority communities are exposed to nitrogen dioxide levels 16-27% higher than their white counterparts, underscoring the systemic environmental inequalities that persist in urban areas.

Ribeiro-Addy emphasised the need for comprehensive policies that not only address environmental concerns but also rectify social injustices. She called for an integrated approach that considers the social determinants of health and prioritises the needs of the most affected communities.

Personal Testimony: Rosamund Kissi-Debrah

One of the most poignant moments of the event was the testimony of Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, who shared the heartbreaking story of her daughter, Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah. Ella, a nine-year-old girl from South London, became the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death. She suffered from severe asthma, exacerbated by prolonged exposure to illegal levels of air pollution near her home.

Rosamund recounted how Ella’s health deteriorated due to the toxic air she breathed daily. She revealed that 250,000 children in London have asthma, a condition that is often aggravated by poor air quality. Rosamund’s advocacy has been instrumental in bringing national attention to the human cost of air pollution.

In her address, she passionately stated, “Clean air is a human right.” She emphasised that if pollution levels had not been illegal, her daughter would still be alive today. This personal tragedy has fueled her campaign for Ella’s Law, a legislative proposal aimed at enshrining the right to clean air in UK law.

Policy Advocacy: Baroness Jenny Jones

Baroness Jenny Jones, a member of the House of Lords and sponsor of the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill—commonly referred to as Ella’s Law—discussed the legislative efforts to establish the right to clean air as a fundamental human right. The bill seeks to:

  • Establish the right to breathe clean air as a basic human right.

  • Require the Secretary of State to achieve and maintain clean air in England and Wales within five years of the act’s passage.

  • Mandate public bodies to review and monitor pollution limits and set up a commission to scrutinize government action.

Baroness Jones highlighted the importance of holding the government accountable and ensuring that environmental policies are implemented effectively. She urged attendees to support the bill and advocate for its passage through Parliament.

Environmental Policy Insights: Siân Berry MP

Siân Berry MP, representing Brighton Pavilion and serving as the Green Party’s lead on air pollution, addressed the systemic issues contributing to poor air quality. She criticised the role of car manufacturers in misleading consumers about vehicle emissions and emphasised the need for stricter regulations to hold polluters accountable.

Berry also discussed the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London, noting its success in reducing harmful pollutants. She advocated for extending such initiatives nationwide to ensure broader environmental benefits.

Community Engagement: L’myah Sherae

L’myah Sherae, CEO of Enact Equality, shared findings from focus groups that explored the impact of air pollution on urban health.

The focus groups provided valuable insights into how air pollution disproportionately affects communities of colour and low-income families. Key findings included:

  • 40% of participants suffered from asthma, confirming the significant health burden of air pollution.

  • 30% felt immediate respiratory distress while walking in polluted areas, highlighting the everyday impact of toxic air.

  • 90% of participants wanted to become activists, but lacked the resources or platforms to take action.

She emphasised that Black and ethnic minority communities are often asked for input on environmental policies but rarely compensated for their time and expertise. This systemic issue prevents meaningful participation from those most affected.

Sherae highlighted successful grassroots initiatives such as Mums for Lungs, which campaigns for cleaner air around schools, and Amsterdam’s Climate Action Plan, which has made significant strides in reducing pollution in urban areas.

She also stressed the importance of leveraging social media to amplify the clean air movement. “Look at what Marcus Rashford achieved with food poverty—social media can mobilize the public and push politicians to act,” she said.

Corporate Accountability: Anna Garrod’s Perspective

Anna Garrod, Director of Policy, Influencing, and Change at Impact on Urban Health, focused on the role of businesses and urban planning in air pollution.

She pointed out that corporations hold vast amounts of data on emissions, yet many are not incentivised to reduce their pollution. She argued that businesses must be pressured and regulated to contribute to air quality improvements.

Garrod also emphasised the role of funding in grassroots activism, noting that small community groups often struggle to access financial resources to drive change.

Her policy recommendations included:

  • Mandating corporations to disclose emissions data and reduce their environmental footprint.

  • Prioritising air filtration in public buildings, particularly schools and hospitals.

  • Investing in sustainable urban planning—placing green spaces and pedestrian-friendly areas at the heart of new developments.

She concluded that COVID-19 revealed stark inequalities in health outcomes, with air pollution playing a significant role in worsening respiratory conditions among the most vulnerable populations.

Audience Discussion: Key Questions and Concerns

The event featured a robust Q&A session, where audience members raised pressing questions about policy, activism, and enforcement:

1. What About Heathrow’s Third Runway?

Many attendees voiced concerns over the proposed Heathrow Airport expansion, arguing that it would:

  • Increase air pollution across London.

  • Violate the UK’s climate targets by adding more flights and emissions.

  • Have disproportionate impacts on communities near the airport, which are already overburdened by pollution.

Speakers called for stronger opposition to the expansion, urging campaigners to build a legal case against it based on climate and health risks.

2. Why is the UK Lagging Behind the EU on Air Pollution?

A key question asked how the UK can catch up with European countries that have stricter air pollution laws. Several speakers noted that:

  • Nnations, such as Germany and the Netherlands, enforce air quality limits more effectively.

  • The UK government has failed to mention clean air in its recent manifestos, indicating a lack of prioritisation.

  • Public pressure is needed to push for stronger regulations that align with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

3. How Can We Monitor the Air We Breathe?

A young activist asked how individuals can measure their daily exposure to pollution.

  • Speakers encouraged community air quality monitoring projects, where residents use portable sensors to collect data.

  • Some suggested that local councils fund and distribute air quality monitors in high-pollution areas.

  • Several speakers called for increased public awareness campaigns on air pollution’s impact on health.

4. What Can the Media Do Differently?

  • The media often overlooks air pollution as a public health crisis, prioritising other issues like crime or politics.

  • Journalists need to highlight the racial and class disparities in pollution exposure.

  • Activists must engage the press with real stories and data to force the issue onto the agenda.

5. What Age Groups Are Most Affected?

  • Children and the elderly face the greatest risks from air pollution.

  • Research shows that babies in the womb are exposed to pollution, leading to higher risks of asthma and developmental problems.

  • Schools located near busy roads have been found to reduce children’s lung development by up to 10%.

6. Can Workplace Parking Levies Reduce Pollution?

  • Some cities, such as Nottingham, have successfully introduced workplace parking levies to discourage car use.

  • Revenue from these levies can be reinvested into public transport and cycling infrastructure.

  • Experts urged other cities to adopt similar schemes to tackle congestion and emissions.

The Reality of London’s Air Pollution

📊 Shocking Statistics:

❌ 9,400 premature deaths per year in London due to air pollution.

❌ Low-income communities are twice as likely to live in high-pollution areas.

❌ The UK government has failed to prioritise clean air in its recent manifestos.

🚨 Challenges:

❌ Heathrow’s third runway expansion threatens to increase pollution significantly.

❌ EU countries have stricter air pollution laws than the UK—why are we falling behind?

❌ Without legal enforcement, air pollution deaths will continue to rise.

✅ Solutions:

✔️ Ella’s Law must be passed to enforce air quality limits.

✔️ Affordable public transport is essential—high fares discourage sustainable travel.

✔️ Urban planning reforms must prioritise green spaces and low-traffic neighbourhoods.

📢 What Can You Do?

📩 Write to your MP—urge them to back Ella’s Law (ellaslaw.uk).

📣 Use social media—share stories and demand government action.

🚲 Choose sustainable transport whenever possible.

📊 Support air quality monitoring projects—communities must have tools to measure what they breathe.

Sources, references and further reading

1. King’s College London Report on Air Pollution Deaths: This report estimates that between 28,000 and 36,000 people die annually in the UK due to air pollution. King’s College London

2. World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines: The WHO sets international standards for air quality, which are often used as benchmarks in policy discussions. World Health Organization

3. Ella’s Law Official Website: This site offers detailed information about the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill, also known as Ella’s Law. Ella’s Law

4. Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) Expansion Data: Information on the impact of ULEZ on reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in London. London.gov.uk

5. Mums for Lungs Campaign: A grassroots initiative focused on improving air quality around schools in London. Mums for Lungs

6. Amsterdam’s Climate Action Plan: Details on Amsterdam’s policies and initiatives to reduce urban air pollution. Amsterdam.nl

7. Marcus Rashford’s Campaign on Food Poverty: An example of successful social media activism leading to policy change. BBC News

8. Clean Air Fund: A philanthropic organization working globally to combat air pollution. Clean Air Fund

9. Centre for Cities Report on Air Quality and Deprivation: This report discusses how poorer urban areas suffer disproportionately from poor air quality. Centre for Cities

10. American Lung Association’s “Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air”: A documentary highlighting the history and ongoing challenges of air pollution in the U.S. American Lung Association

11. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Justice Resources: Information on the EPA’s efforts to address environmental justice issues in various regions. EPA

12. Clean Air Fund Announcement on WHO’s Second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health: Details about the upcoming conference focusing on air pollution and health. WHO

13. American Progress Article on Project 2025: An article discussing potential rollbacks of environmental regulations and their implications. American Progress

14. WE ACT for Environmental Justice 2025 Policy Agenda: A document outlining priorities for addressing environmental justice issues. WE ACT

15. Special Report 02/2025: Urban Pollution in the EU: A report examining how selected cities implement EU air and noise pollution policies. European Court of Auditors

16. Center for American Progress Article on Environmental Justice: An article detailing the Biden administration’s efforts to ensure clean air and water for all communities. American Progress

17. Associated Press Article on Louisiana School Closure Due to Toxic Air: A news article about a predominantly Black elementary school shutting down amid lawsuits over toxic air exposure. AP News

Michael Shilling
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