Pollution is soon to be one of biggest problems to mankind, and with the amount of vehicular movement on Earth, it would be just a matter of time when mother nature can change things for the worse.
Well, we all know that pollution is the biggest problems and tackling the problem it is the least of what we can do, if not stop it. But how do you tackle one of the worst problems of mankind? For starters, we need to know how worse it is. We need data, and from every part of the world, if possible.
Analysing the data on how much pollution we are actually living in is the only means of knowing how soon we should act. To get such type of data, scientists and researchers are overturning every stone to know the depth of the issue. To add to the research, a UK company called Plume Labs is taking this level to an advanced stage, using one of the most ancient means of transport—pigeons.
As part of the program called Pigeon Air Patrol, Plume Labs has been strapping pigeons in the area with tiny sensors that can monitor the levels of toxic air in the area. This is presently being done in certain parts of London where pigeons are flying around with tiny air-quality sensors strapped to their back.
And we're off! The first #PigeonAir patrol flies from Brick Lane, monitoring air pollution as we go! pic.twitter.com/W8KnyrxnCe
— Pigeon Air Patrol (@PigeonAir) March 14, 2016
Each pigeon recruited in the program is equipped with a small backpack which contains air-quality sensors to monitor the ozone, volatile compounds and nitrogen dioxide levels in the air. Each of these backpacks is feather-light and checked by vets to ensure that they are safe. The sensor, which weighs just 25g, also incorporates a GPS unit which sends back information about the quality of the air in that location.
The project has taken off and started on 14th March 2016. People in London can download the Plume Air Report app for iPhones and Androids to know the quality of the air in their area and at any given time. The app features real-time pollution levels in the city and pollution forecasts, apart from information about how to avoid pollution at home and sharing the data with your friends.
To add to the simplicity, you can also tweet your area name (only in London for now) to @PigeonAir and the pigeons will let you know how toxic your area currently is.
