London air cleanup could save 44,000 lives by 2050, report finds

London could prevent 44,000 premature deaths and add £2.2bn to its economy by 2050 if it meets net-zero emissions targets, a new report has found. The research, published by Clean Air Fund, estimates that cutting pollution would also save 533,000 life-years and generate nine million additional working days across the capital.

The report, which was commissioned by CBI Economics and WSP, states that London stands to benefit more than other UK cities. The capital’s baseline pollution levels remain higher than elsewhere in the country, despite nitrogen dioxide (NO2) falling to legal limits for the first time last October. Clean Air Fund said this means the health and economic returns from reducing emissions are proportionally greater in London.

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Pollution levels still unsafe

All of the most polluted areas in the UK are in London, according to data from the Geographic Data Service. A neighbourhood in Camden, covering parts of Holborn, St Giles and Covent Garden, has the highest pollution levels nationally. Residents there breathe in an annual average of nearly 21 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and more than 34 micrograms of NO2.

The World Health Organization recommends that annual averages should not exceed five micrograms of PM2.5 and 15 micrograms of NO2. Long-term exposure to air pollution was estimated to contribute to up to 5,100 premature deaths across London in 2024, as reported by the mayor’s office to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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City Hall policies show progress

Sir Sadiq Khan has made improving air quality a priority during his time as mayor. His policies include the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (Ulez), the Congestion Charge and efforts to promote public transport and cycling over private car use. In 2016, King’s College London estimated that without further action, it would take 193 years for London to meet legal NO2 limits. The city achieved this within nine years.

“The mayor has shown really strong leadership on this issue and has delivered good results. The public health outcomes are compelling.”

Nick Smith, Clean Air Fund head of UK Portfolio

Smith told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Ulez has been transformative. He also cited the electrification of the bus and taxi fleet and investment in cycling infrastructure as key measures. However, he said more work is needed, particularly on vans and freight vehicles, where the uptake of electric models has been slower.

Wood burning remains a persistent issue, but Smith acknowledged that City Hall and local authorities have limited powers to address it. In May, Khan admitted that London would not meet its 2030 net-zero target, partly due to a lack of control over the capital’s energy grid.

What happens next

A spokesperson for Khan said the mayor remains committed to tackling air pollution. They said his policies have already reduced pollution, improved public health and saved lives. The spokesperson added that the Clean Air Fund report supports the decision to expand Ulez London-wide, which they said was crucial to protecting residents’ health.

The Climate Change Committee has set out a pathway for the UK to reach net zero by 2050, which the government is legally required to follow. Clean Air Fund’s report states that sticking to this plan would deliver significant benefits for London, but further action is needed to bring pollution levels in line with WHO guidelines.