London expands car fees to cut air pollution

New data shows London’s expanded low-emissions zone significantly reduced harmful emissions, proving effective in improving air quality.

Somini Sengupta reports for The New York Times.

In short:

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion cut particulate matter by 22% and nitrogen oxide by 21% in outer London.
Mayor Sadiq Khan faced political backlash but won re-election, showing public support for the policy.
The ULEZ is expected to reduce fee collections as more vehicles comply with emissions standards.

Key quote:

“The decision to expand the ULEZ was a difficult one, but the right one.”

— Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Why this matters:

Reducing emissions in urban areas can improve public health by decreasing respiratory issues like asthma. Successful implementation in London may encourage other cities to adopt similar measures, aiding global efforts to combat climate change.

www.nytimes.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

London expands car fees to cut air pollution

DNC aims to lead by example with carbon reduction efforts at Chicago convention

Gov. Newsom vetoes California bill to increase refinery air monitoring

New Mexico's green hydrogen project faces community and funding challenges

Trump’s plan to boost LNG exports could benefit China

Trump promises to repeal power plant rule and slash energy costs

Climate groups emphasize economic benefits in Harris ad campaign

Urban planning may worsen flood risks in cities

LISTEN: Brandon Rothrock on the environment and queer identities

"It's important to make queer and LGBTQ+ people central to research and policies and not add them in as an afterthought."

Environmental journalism loses a hero

Peter Dykstra – newsman, provocateur, friend and former publisher of The Daily Climate – passed away Wednesday.

ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters: Report

“We know this is a business, and you want to make a profit, but consider the communities next door.”

Op-ed: Ripe for disaster declarations — heat, wildfire smoke and death data

Currently, the federal data on extreme heat and wildfire smoke itself constitutes a major disaster.

Living near oil and gas operations linked to worse mental health in people hoping to become pregnant

“If we’re concerned about healthy pregnancies, focusing on the period before pregnancy may be even more important.”

Op-ed: The climate crisis demands a move away from car dependency

Power shutoffs or wildfire evacuations can be deadly for disabled people, especially nondrivers who may not have a way to get to a cooling center or evacuation point.