How to travel in 'greener' ways...

A map of some of Harrow with bus and cycle routes (click for more detailed view)

We’ve had some responses enquiring about what exactly the issues are affecting the planet with regards to transport congestion and what difference can a shift in journeys really make. We’ve put together a piece for this week’s blog which aims to present the facts about traffic pollution and its effect on the earth and all of us.

Global Warning:

The effects of congestion, pollution and traffic problems on the local environment are all beginning to take their toll and if we don’t act now, our environment today will be tomorrow’s past. Recent testing found that levels of nitrogen dioxide and microscopic particles called ‘particulate matter’ sometimes exceed government guidelines in Harrow, particularly near busy roads.

The climate of the Earth is always changing. But in the past it has altered as a result of natural causes. Most of the changes we’ve seen over recent years and those predicted over the next 80 years are thought to be mainly as a result of human behaviour rather than due to natural changes in the atmosphere.

The greenhouse effect relates to the gases which pose the strongest threat to the environment and is a major contributing factor to climate changes such as heatwaves and sea levels rising. Reports predict global temperature will rise by the end of the century of between 1.4C and 5.8C, a temperature rise expected to affect countries throughout the World and have a knock on effect with precipitation and sea level rises in a manner that could have a life-altering effect on the planet.

In 2001 the Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change stated that “most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is likely to be attributable to human activities”.

To stabilise climate change altogether, emissions of CO2 would have to be reduced by around 70% globally. One of the main problems with carbon dioxide is the length of time it remains in the atmosphere as it can take around 100 years for it to disperse (even after some of it is absorbed by vegetation). Therefore, even if we stopped CO2 emissions immediately, the effects of what we’ve already done would still influence our weather for years to come.

By reducing the number of greenhouse gases even marginally, the rate of change should be less and therefore there will be less impact on our planet and our lives.

The main cause of air pollution is emissions from vehicles. Harrow’s Air Quality Action Plan outlines a number of ways the council will seek to improve the quality of the borough’s air, by reducing emissions from vehicles, discouraging non-essential car journeys and promoting and publicising alternative means of travel.

Everyone can do their bit by pledging to:

1. Walk, cycle or use public transport instead of taking the car
2. Adopt a smoother driving style - harsh acceleration and braking makes pollution worse
3. Service your vehicle regularly - this can reduce pollution and make it cheaper to run
4. When buying a vehicle, consider its pollution. Generally, newer vehicles are less polluting.
5. Consider choosing alternative fuelled vehicles, such as gas or electric vehicles
6. Car share. Sign up for free to the West London Car Share scheme online at http://www.westlondoncarshare.com/ or at http://www.londonliftshare.com/.
7. Recycle. It’s good for the planet.

Businesses can:

1. Buy or lease cleaner vehicles
2. Produce to help staff to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to work
3. Use efficient fleet management to reduce emissions and costs

Every person can make every difference and help improve Harrow’s air quality, environment and contribute to a better tomorrow.

So what do you think - is this realistic? - or what are the reasons for holding back from changing your habits??? If you have already adopted a more environmentally friendly lifestyle tell us about it...