Large air balloons, which change colour to show how much harmful nitrogen dioxide has been measured in the air at sites across the capital, have been installed in central London for the project led by environmental charity Hubbub.
Many of the world’s cities, which the United Nations says account for about three-quarters of planet-warming emissions, are getting behind global climate goals and green innovations, from electric buses to pollution-sucking urban gardens. Like many major cities, London’s toxic air is largely caused by emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles. Official data found two million Londoners lived in areas with illegally high levels of air pollution last year.
The project was created by Hubbub together with partners including the “Climate and Cities” artist collective and researchers at King’s College London who provided the air pollution data.