London’s New Year’s Eve 2023 Firework Display: The Equivalent of Driving Over 3 Million Miles
London’s New Year’s Eve 2023 fireworks marked the entry into 2024 with a dazzling display. Over 12,000 F4 Fireworks lit up the sky, a tradition cherished by many. Yet, amidst the spectacle, the environmental impact of such a grand event, particularly considering the city’s air quality challenges, warrants a closer look.
The fireworks show, while visually stunning, added significantly to air pollution. Emitting CO2, smoke, particulates, and metal compounds, the CO2 emissions alone were equivalent to a 2013 Golf Euro 5 diesel vehicle driving about 3,316,225 miles. This figure offers a stark contrast to the ongoing discourse about vehicular emissions and air quality in London.
Mayor Sadiq Khan, a proponent of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), has often emphasized its importance, stating, “Tackling toxic air pollution is about saving lives. The ULEZ is a vital part of our work to clean up London’s air – the air Londoners breathe is so much cleaner as a result of its introduction.” Despite this, the recent expansion of the ULEZ has sparked debate, particularly around its impact on less affluent drivers who may struggle to upgrade to newer vehicles.
The primary critique of the Mayor’s approach is its perceived narrow focus. While ULEZ targets vehicular emissions, it seemingly overlooks other pollution contributors, such as the New Year’s fireworks. Critics suggest that reducing the fireworks quantity or shortening the duration could mitigate environmental impact while potentially offering a more refined and enjoyable experience.
Furthermore, the limited use of drone technology during the event pointed to an eco-friendly alternative. Though less theatrical than traditional fireworks, drones represent a sustainable way to celebrate, significantly cutting down on air pollution. The New Year’s Eve event saw drones mainly used for conveying political messages, but their potential for reducing environmental impact is significant.
The underlying issue is the perceived lack of a comprehensive air pollution strategy. While ULEZ is a stride towards cleaner air, it is not a holistic solution. London needs an approach that addresses a variety of pollution sources, including public events like fireworks displays, to effectively tackle the city’s air quality challenges.
Read more about used cars in the ULEZ here. To find out about the ULEZ you can read about it on the TFL website.
