The Treatment of Smog in Britain in the Second Half of the Twentieth Century

In the second half of the twentieth century, composite smog pollution became a major environmental concern in Britain. It consisted of vehicle exhaust, photochemical smog and other harmful pollutants and materials. To combat smog, the National Survey of Smoke and Sulphur Dioxide established a national monitoring network to evaluate the government’s smog control policies. The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants published reports examining the link between air pollution and health. Local Air Quality Management required every district and unitary authority to review and assess air quality in their area. These organisations played a crucial role in raising public awareness about environmental protection and encouraged the government to adopt measures to control smog. In response, the British government introduced legislation and implemented policies such as modifying the energy mix. In 2008, the Greater London Authority established the London Low Emission Zone. These measures effectively reduced and controlled smog pollution. Key features of Britain’s efforts included the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework, an emphasis on scientific and technological solutions, and the application of integrated management strategies. Britain’s approach to smog control had a global influence and can serve as a valuable reference for other countries.