VIRTUAL London.
Abstract
London’s landscape includes over 3000 parks. While the average visitor associates parks with a healthy place to play, the reality is the level of nitrogen dioxide within many areas is toxic. The UK government set two objectives in relation to nitrogen dioxide. The first is an hourly objective of 200 μg/m3 or less while the second is an annual concentration of 40 μg/m3. These limits are also reflected in the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. In 2021, the busiest areas of London, such as Marylebone Road, reached an annual nitrogen dioxide concentration of 71 μg/m3. A meta-analysis by Faustini, Rapp and Forastiere, 2014, determined that when nitrogen dioxide levels increased by 10 μg/m3, the mortality rate increased by 4%. London Air Quality Maps were used to determine the distance from the perimeter of the urban park necessary to see a 10 μg/m3 drop in nitrogen dioxide, the same differential that Faustini, Rapp and Forastiere found to decrease mortality rates by 4%. By designing future parks to be air pollution friendly, users can breathe healthier air. Changes to urban park design can include the placement of features within parks, such as play spaces, walking paths and buildings.
Robby Marshall’s current interest is the air quality of major cities. He is also interested in Carbon Taxes as an economic method to counter climate change. In general Robby is compelled by interdisciplinary investigations that combine urban geography and mathematics. In 2021, Robby applied his learnings about Nitrogen Dioxide to an investigation into eight of London’s largest parks. His findings are relevant to both policy makers and everyday park users. Robby is a student at the American School in London. His research has been recognised by the British Science Association.
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Thursday 27th June, 2024