More than 27.5% of neighborhoods in England are experiencing pollution levels that are severely detrimental to wildlife, according to new research by Friends of the Earth. The environmental organization has designated these areas as “nature pollution hotspots,” where air, water, noise, and light pollution all exceed levels harmful to the environment.
The analysis identified Chelsea and Fulham as the parliamentary constituency with the highest concentration of pollution hotspots. Other highly affected areas include Salford, Worsley and Eccles, Vauxhall, Camberwell, and Battersea. In total, 9,062 of the 32,844 neighborhoods assessed are classified as pollution hotspots.
The damage from pollution extends to England’s wildlife, with one in six species at risk of extinction. England, known as one of the most nature-depleted countries, is struggling to sustain its biodiversity. Wildlife faces multiple threats from chemical pollution, excessive pesticide use, sewage dumping, air contamination, and light interference.
Sewage pollution, in particular, leads to nutrient overload in rivers, causing harmful algal blooms that suffocate aquatic species. Pesticides and other chemicals seeping into water bodies also pose a threat to fish and invertebrates. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide from vehicles, affects two-thirds of native plant species and even hampers honeybees’ ability to recognize floral scents, impacting pollination.
Friends of the Earth has urged the UK government, especially the Labour Party, to take legislative action to address the growing pollution crisis. The organization advocates for an environmental rights act that would enshrine the right to a healthy environment and empower communities to hold polluters accountable.
Sienna Somers, a campaigner for Friends of the Earth, emphasized that the failure of successive governments to address pollution has harmed both wildlife and public health. She called for stronger laws to force polluters to clean up their mess, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for both people and wildlife.