In this episode of Roots & Rooftops, we sit down with Professor Frank Kelly at Imperial College London to explore the history of air pollution in London — and the biggest challenges ahead in making the city’s air cleaner and safer for everyone.

A leading expert in air pollution research, Professor Kelly reflects on the deadly Great Smog of 1952, explains why London has met its nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) legal limits earlier than expected (with two important caveats), and outlines what still needs to change for air quality to align with World Health Organization guidelines.

He also shares practical, everyday tips to improve indoor air quality, and a clear view of what citizens and policymakers can do next to improve London’s air overall.

Chapters
00:00 Intro + Prof Frank Kelly (Imperial)
04:03 The Great Smog of 1952: what it changed
06:50 The “trade-off” problem: fixing one pollutant, creating another
09:11 London meets DEFRA NO₂ limits — why that’s not the finish line
16:23 Wood burning: a growing source of pollution
19:00 Indoor air: the overlooked risk at home
20:47 What’s next for London’s air (and where progress may stall)
22:36 Microplastics from tyres: the next air quality frontier
24:09 Practical steps for cleaner air (at home + outdoors)    

Subscribe for future episodes and follow The Green Londoner as we turn big climate ideas into everyday actions across London.

Music, mixing and mastering by Jo Elise.

In our first episode of 'Roots & Rooftops', we speak with Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy.

We spoke about his background and early exposure to air pollution, youth engagement in climate action and how Londoners can take ownership of making change happen. 

As the London Climate Resilience Review and the new heat plan are currently being drafted, we also discussed air and water quality (including one pledge from Mete once the Thames becomes swimmable!), and what Coban learned at the COP30 and the C40 Cities World Mayors Summit.

Chapters: 

• 0:08 - Introduction and Welcome
• 3:38 - Global Green Transition
• 6:09 - Cities as Doers
• 7:49 - Personal Stories and Environmental Justice
• 10:59 - Air and Water Quality Initiatives
• 13:49 - Coordinating Climate Action
• 15:23 - Manifesto and Climate Goals
• 22:50 - Climate Extremes and Community Engagement
• 30:00 - Quick Fire Questions

Subscribe for future episodes and follow The Green Londoner as we turn big climate ideas into everyday actions across London.

Music, mixing and mastering by Jo Elise.

Subscribe for future episodes and follow The Green Londoner as we turn big climate ideas into everyday actions across London.

Music, mixing and mastering by Jo Elise.