Tasting the air in Beijing, London and New Delhi

UEL expert’s “Pollution Pods” give COP28 participants the chance to experience air pollution levels in three major cities

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UEL expert’s “Pollution Pods” give COP28 participants the chance to experience air pollution levels in three major cities

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Published

07 December 2023

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Delegates to the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai will be able to sample the air in some of the world’s most polluted cities, thanks to a project designed by a University of East London (UEL) academic.

Dr Michael Pinsky, Reader in Fine Art at the University’s Department of Architecture and Visual Arts has installed three geodesic domes at the conference, with the air inside them resembling that found in Beijing, London and New Delhi.

Termed Pollution Pods by Dr Pinsky, they contain the same levels of ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide as those found in the three cities. A fourth pod displays solutions to clean up the air we breathe.

The project is designed to raise awareness at the meeting about air pollution and its impact on health, with Dr Pinsky saying the University played an important part in its creation, “UEL has been invaluable for the development of the Pollution Pods project, providing not just a space to work, but a vibrant community of students whose diverse perspectives and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in shaping and refining this endeavour.”

The Pollution Pods were first created by Dr Pinsky in 2017 and have been exhibited in at least nine countries, with the leading art website Artnet including them in its list of the 100 Works of Art That Defined the Decade.

They’re aimed at highlighting the often-neglected dangers of air pollution. More than seven million people die prematurely every year because of it — more than twice as many as from malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined. This installation highlights the complex and interconnected nature of this global health and climate issue.

The UN Climate Change Conference, better known as COP, is an annual event, with this the 28th summit. The COP meetings are intended to be forums for governments to agree policies to limit global temperature rises and adapt to impacts associated with climate change.

Earlier this year, the pods were erected at St John’s College, Oxford University. Saurav Bundela, a UEL civil engineering student helped to install the pods in Oxford and found the experience deeply rewarding.

He said, “This strengthened my commitment to promoting sustainability and emphasised the Pollution Pods as a tool for raising awareness. I am incredibly grateful to Dr Michael Pinsky, Jamie Wright and the entire team, for their guidance, which greatly influenced my transformative learning experience.”

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