Impacts of industry on the environment

In the past, toxic waste polluted land and water supplies. Coal mining left ugly spoil heaps and transformed landscapes, and burning coal caused air pollution, such as the smog in London during the 1950s.
While active coal mining has ceased in much of the UK, its environmental legacy persists. For example, Wales is home to approximately 40% of the UK’s coal tips which pose risks of pollution, landslides, and spontaneous combustion, especially with increasing rainfall linked to climate change.
A 2024 investigation revealed that 17 landfills across England are producing leachate containing PFAS or ‘forever chemicals’ at levels up to 260 times higher than deemed safe for drinking water. These substances are persistent in the environment and pose significant health risks.

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