Boris Johnson accused of burying study linking pollution and deprived schools

[suffragette]

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/16/boris-johnson-accused-of-burying-study-linking-pollution-and-deprived-schools

Called "Analysing Air Pollution Exposure in London" the report found that in 2010, 433 of the city’s 1,777 primary schools were in areas where pollution breached the EU limits for NO2. Of those, 83% were considered deprived schools, with more than 40% of pupils on free school meals.

A spokeswoman for the newly elected mayor, Sadiq Khan, said that the mayor could not understand why the research was not published when it was completed more than two-and-a-half years ago.

The mayor’s spokeswoman said: “This shocking report reveals a snapshot of the true ?impact that our polluted air has on some of London’s most vulnerable communities. It is difficult to understand why the last mayoralty decided to cover it up and not fully release it in 2013 – they clearly didn’t want Londoners to know the dire state of pollution in the capital.

“The mayor is fully committed to cleaning up our air and protecting Londoners’ health and is shocked to learn that important scientific evidence like this have been locked and ignored at City Hall.”

This raises two important points to me, both of which are just as relevant in the US as in the UK.

One is the disproportionate impact of negative environmental conditions on people who are economically disadvantaged. From air quality in London to water quality in Flint, people who already have to contend with fewer options and harder choices in every area of life from education to housing and health have to fight even for decent air to breathe and water to drink.

The other is the difference it can make to elect leaders who will address this important issue directly rather than burying this inconvenient fact and focusing on making already wealthy friends richer.

[pampango]

1. "pollution breached the EU limits for NO2". The Johnson solution: withdraw from the EU.

Boris is one of the vocal leaders in the "leave" group leading up to the referendum next month.

A spokeswoman for the newly elected mayor, Sadiq Khan, said that the mayor could not understand why the research was not published when it was completed more than two-and-a-half years ago.

The mayor’s spokeswoman said: “This shocking report reveals a snapshot of the true ?impact that our polluted air has on some of London’s most vulnerable communities. It is difficult to understand why the last mayoralty decided to cover it up and not fully release it in 2013 ...

That says a lot about Boris Johnson. The new London mayor deserves praise for his quick action to releast the study.

[suffragette]

2. Excellent point! Thanks for making that connection.

It does speak volumes about both Johnson and Khan and the clear differences in leadership and impact on the people.