NO2 increased by 30% during COP26

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution increased by nearly a third (30%) within a mile of COP26 in Glasgow last month, according to new data by Aeternum.

NO2 levels reached a peak on November 8th, when Aerternum’s sensor recorded an average of 40µg/m2. The sensor was positioned under the Kingston Bridge, less than a mile from the SEC where COP26 was held. 

This is 93% higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2021 Air Quality Guidelines, which recommends that NO2 levels should not exceed an average of 25µgm3 in any 24-hour period. 

Aeternum’s sensor found the average concentration of NO₂ during the two weeks of the conference was 34 µg/m³ – an increase of 30% (8µg/m³) from October’s average of 26µg/m³.

The average level of NO₂ began to drop in the days following the end of the conference, falling back down to 29µg/m³ by 29th November.

Aeternum’s data follows a similar trend to two air quality sensors installed by the UK’s Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) around Glasgow during the same time period, which recorded a peak in nitrogen dioxide during the conference.

Paul Carter, Founder of Aeternum, said: ‘Our sensor data clearly shows an increase in average nitrogen dioxide levels under Glasgow’s Kingston Bridge during COP26, compared to the month prior to the event. When we compared our findings with those of DEFRA’s monitoring stations, we identified a general trend that average NO₂ levels increased during the event and later fell to almost its previous levels.”

‘There has been much speculation about the potential environmental impact of holding such a large global event that saw many delegates arriving and departing via modes of transport that are harmful to the environment.

‘Our sensor is positioned along a main walkway leading to the SEC, enabling us to gather a clear picture of the air many attendees were breathing during the conference. By accurately monitoring hyperlocal air quality, local councils and communities can gather a clear, real-time picture of the impact of pollutants in the air local people are breathing – and make informed decisions about how best to manage them.’