Sustainable Biz Magazine - Magazine - Page 10
Net Zero vs ULEZ
The United Kingdom, like many nations
worldwide, faces a pressing dilemma that
pits environmental sustainability against
public health. On one hand, the need
to meet Net Zero emissions targets are
becoming increasingly urgent in the face of
global climate change. On the other hand,
lives are being lost to pollution, particularly
from fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which
poses severe health risks. The introduction
of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ)
represents a key strategy in mitigating
pollution and its associated health impacts.
Here we try to explore the fundamental
differences between the imperative to meet
Net Zero emissions by the UK and the
imperative to reduce lives lost due to PM
2.5 pollution through the implementation of
ULEZ pollution control schemes.
I. Net Zero Emissions: A Global Imperative
The concept of Net Zero emissions revolves
around achieving a state where the total
amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs)
emitted into the atmosphere is balanced
by the removal of an equivalent amount of
GHGs. The UK, in line with global climate
agreements, has committed to achieving Net
Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This
ambitious target is driven by the recognition
of the catastrophic consequences of
unchecked climate change, including rising
global temperatures, more frequent extreme
weather events, and the loss of biodiversity.
The primary focus here is on reducing
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which
10
constitute the majority of GHGs produced
by human activities.
role in achieving Net Zero emissions.
II. PM 2.5 Pollution and Public Health
* Transition to Renewable Energy Sources
* To meet Net Zero goals, the UK is
transitioning away from fossil fuels and
embracing renewable energy sources such
as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. This
transition is reducing the carbon footprint of
energy generation, contributing significantly
to the reduction in overall emissions.
* Electrification of Transportation
* The electrification of transportation,
including the promotion of electric vehicles
(EVs), is another critical component of
achieving Net Zero emissions. It reduces
emissions from the transportation sector,
which is a major contributor to GHG
emissions.
* Energy Efficiency
* Improving energy efficiency across sectors,
including residential, commercial, and
industrial, helps minimize energy waste and
decrease emissions associated with energy
consumption.
* Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
* Technologies like CCS capture CO2
emissions from industrial processes and
power generation, preventing them from
entering the atmosphere. CCS plays a pivotal
S USTAI N AB L E B I Z MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2023
PM 2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with
a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller,
and it includes pollutants such as sulphate,
nitrate, ammonium, and black carbon.
These tiny particles can penetrate deep
into the respiratory system and enter the
bloodstream, leading to a range of severe
health problems. Long-term exposure to PM
2.5 pollution has been linked to increased
mortality rates and a higher incidence of
respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
* Health Impacts of PM 2.5 Pollution
* PM 2.5 pollution is responsible for a
significant number of premature deaths
in the UK and worldwide. It exacerbates
conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and heart
disease, and it is associated with lung cancer.
Vulnerable populations, such as children,
the elderly, and those with pre-existing
health conditions, are particularly at risk.
* Economic Costs
* The economic burden of PM 2.5 pollution
is substantial, encompassing healthcare
costs, lost productivity, and decreased
quality of life. Reducing PM 2.5 pollution
can alleviate this burden and lead to longterm economic benefits.
III. ULEZ Pollution Control Schemes