Urban climate

• · The UHI effect can cause London to be up to 10 ° warmer than surrounding rural areas.

  · Temperature inversions trap pollutants as polluted surface level air cannot rise above the warmer air cap.

  · Inversions can be caused by vertical mixing of air caused by buildings, bringing warmer air to the top of the urban dome, or by tall buildings blocking sunlight to the surface of the city.
• · Great London Smog: A high pressure system caused a temperature inversion for over a week. The pollution from coal fires mixed with fog to create a thick smog, killing over 8000 people.

  ·  Air quality continues to be a problem in London. In 2013 a 9 year old girl died from a pollution induced asthma attack. The only case were pollution is the official cause of death, but is suspected that up to 9000 people die from air quality related illnesses in London per year.
• Management of atmospheric pollution:

   

  ·  Clean air acts: 1956 London clean air act introduced smoke free zones into urban areas

  · ULEZ: charges highly polluting vehicles

  · Congestion charge: vehicles have to pay for entry to manage congestion

  . Good public transport and promotion of cycling