Pollution endangers wildlife in over a quarter of England’s neighborhoods

New research from Friends of the Earth reveals that more than 27% of England's neighborhoods have pollution levels harmful to wildlife, with key constituencies like Chelsea and Fulham most affected.

Helena Horton reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Over 9,000 neighborhoods in England are labeled as “nature pollution hotspots” due to air, water, noise and light pollution.
• Pollution from cars, sewage, pesticides and artificial light threatens species like bees, birds and bats.
• Friends of the Earth calls for stronger laws to protect the environment and hold polluters accountable.

Key quote:

“Polluters must be held accountable for the harm they cause and forced to clean it up.”

— Sienna Somers, nature campaigner, Friends of the Earth

Why this matters:

The loss of biodiversity in England, driven by pollution, weakens ecosystems vital to human and environmental health. Stronger environmental laws could protect both nature and communities.

Read more:

• The health of wildlife is inseparable from our own: Joe Roman
• Wildlife across the globe are polluted with flame retardants: Map
• Cutting forests and disturbing natural habitats increases our risk of wildlife diseases