JNCC is an official supporter of Clean Air Day. The information on this page provides a brief background to air pollution and the effects it can have on nature.
Clean Air Day is a campaign led by Global Action Plan to:
- Improve public understanding of air pollution.
- Build awareness of how air pollution affects our health.
- Explain the easy actions we can all do to tackle air pollution, helping to protect the environment and our health.
This short animation provides an introduction to sources of air pollution and the effects on nature.
Clean Air Public Insight Tracker survey results
Global Action Plan and their partners Opinium commission a Clean Air Public Insight Tracker to gauge public awareness, attitudes, and behaviour changes in relation to air quality. In June 2021, 2022 and 2023, 2,000 adults were asked a series of questions which included four questions related to air pollution and nature.
The data from 2021 to 2023 was analysed using RStudio. No significant difference (p= <0.05) was found between the UK’s four countries; however, significant differences were found over time. The results are as follows:
- Knowledge about the impact of air pollution on nature significantly increased between 2021 and 2023.
- Concern about the impact of air pollution on nature significantly increased between 2021 and 2022 but had no change between 2022 and 2023.
- Importance placed on reducing air pollution because of its impact on nature as well as health significantly decreased between 2022 and 2023.
- Knowledge of lichens as indicators of air pollution was not found to significantly differ over time.
It is difficult to attribute statistical change to a specific cause. We will keep updating the analysis when we receive further data from subsequent surveys.
The graphic displays the key results and changes in the Clean Air Public Insight Tracker for 2021 to 2023.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution is the presence (or introduction) of a substance in the air which has harmful effects.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) are pollutants which come from sources such as transport, power stations, industry, farm fertilisers and livestock.
These gases are the reactive forms of nitrogen and are different from the non-reactive nitrogen gas (N2) that we breath and is widely present in the atmosphere. These pollutants have effects on human health and nature.
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) has historically been a huge contributor to air pollution. SO2 is emitted from coal burning and contributed to the London smog in 1952. Due to declines in coal burning and restrictions on sulphur content of other fuels emissions have fallen by 97% since 1970.
SO2 reacts with NOx and NH3 in the atmosphere to form Particulate Matter, which has serious health implications.
Particulate matter and ozone occur when pollutants react together in the air and are known as secondary pollutants.
How does air pollution affect nature?
Nitrogen (either NOx or NH3) which has been emitted is deposited back into the environment either directly from the air (dry deposition) or in rain (wet deposition). The effects of these pollutants on human health are well documented and public awareness is increasing.
However, air pollution can also have a devastating effect on biodiversity. There are several ways these pollutants can affect habitats. High NH3 concentration in the air can cause necrosis (cell death), growth reduction or stimulation and increased frost sensitivity in plants. Nitrogen deposition can alter the soil pH and increase nutrient availability.
Visual effects of air pollution on habitats and species
Increasing nitrogen in habitats such as bogs and calcareous grasslands, which have adapted to low nutrient availability, means that some quick growing, nitrogen loving plant species such as nettles (Urtica dioica) and cleavers (Galium aparine) can thrive. Most wildflowers, such as harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), fairy flax (Linum catharticum) and bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) require low or medium nitrogen levels. When these nitrogen sensitive species are out competed, they may be lost altogether from that habitat reducing biodiversity.
Lichens and bryophytes are particularly sensitive to air pollution as they get their nutrients from the air, rather than roots. This makes them good indicator species and can be useful for studying changes to the environment.
What is being done to address air pollution?
Did you know every UK country has mentioned effects of air pollution on habitats and wildlife in their strategies to tackle air pollution?
Each devolved administration (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) has their own country-level strategies for biodiversity and the environment that outline the ways in which the targets for air pollution reduction will be met. There are different ways to achieve reductions through grant schemes and incentives, legislation, regulation, and best practice guidance.
Evidence, policies and strategies specific to air pollution effects on habitat and wildlife can be found on relevant UK devolved administration and country nature conservation body websites:
- Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
- Scotland – NatureScot Information Hub
- Wales – Natural Resources Wales Evidence and Data
- England – Natural England Access to Evidence Website
- Defra UK-Air
You can make a difference too!
As with most things, prevention is most effective. Even small reductions in air pollution can have a positive impact on nature and people.
Here are some ways to reduce your air pollution emissions and raise your nature positivity:
- You can offset emissions by planting trees.
- Explore how nature and air pollution interact in your area by finding green corridors or having an air quality lichen hunt.
- Be aware of your energy usage and switch appliances off when not in use to conserve energy.
- Consider low energy consumption appliances when buying home or office equipment by checking the energy label.
- Consider energy suppliers who use renewable energy sources.
- Reduce vehicle emissions by combining errands to reduce the number of trips, turning off the engine when parked, carpooling or using public transportation, walking or cycling to work or school.
To learn about more ways to reduce air pollution to reduce the negative impacts on nature and human health, visit the Clean Air Hub.
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