Cities' Strategies To Combat Pollution

Air pollution is a pressing issue that claims 13 lives per minute, with more than 90% of the global population breathing unclean air. Cities are major contributors to climate change, with urban activities being responsible for 60-80% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, cities are increasingly taking action to combat air pollution and protect the well-being of their residents. This paragraph will explore the initiatives and strategies implemented by cities worldwide to tackle air pollution and create healthier, more sustainable urban environments. From expanding low-emission zones to electrifying public transport, cities are committed to reducing their environmental impact and enhancing the quality of life for their citizens.

Improving air quality with low-emission zones

Air pollution is a pressing environmental health crisis, causing an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually. Cities worldwide are taking action to counter air pollution, and one of the most popular strategies is the implementation of low-emission zones.

London, for example, introduced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in 2008, which was expanded to an Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in 2019. This scheme has significantly improved air quality, reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in central London by 18.4% in 2019 compared to pre-ULEZ levels. Since the ULEZ scheme was introduced, NO2 levels have declined by almost 50% in central London, compared to a scenario without the ULEZ. The number of vehicles complying with the ULEZ emissions standards has also increased from 39% in 2017 to over 95%. This has been supported by a £270 million scrappage scheme, enabling Londoners to replace or retrofit older, polluting vehicles.

Other cities are following London's lead. Madrid, Milan, and Seoul are expanding their low-emission zones and imposing stricter limits on polluting vehicles. Seoul now operates over 1,000 electric buses and 27 hydrogen fuel cell buses. Warsaw has partnered with the Clean Air Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies to improve air quality, installing 165 air sensors across the city to develop an air quality database. The city will also introduce the Strefy Czystego Transportu (SCT) in July 2024, limiting high-polluting vehicles in 7% of the city.

Bogotá, a leader in Latin America for reducing air pollution, is electrifying its public bus network and aims to completely electrify its metro system. The city's Urban Zones for Better Air (ZUMA) initiative, developed with local communities, targets pollution from transportation and industry to enhance air quality and public health while revitalizing public spaces.

Low-emission zones are an effective strategy for improving air quality and health in cities, and more municipalities are expected to adopt similar schemes to combat air pollution.

Electrifying public transport

Buses, in particular, present a significant opportunity for electrification. While metro and light rail transit systems are mostly powered by electricity, buses around the world still predominantly run on diesel or other fossil fuels, causing significant emissions and air pollution. Electric buses emit less than half the carbon of gas-powered private cars per passenger kilometre travelled, and under a high-carbon grid, they still produce 30% fewer CO2 emissions than diesel buses. Recognising these benefits, cities around the world are accelerating the electrification of their bus fleets. For example, London has 1,300 zero-emission buses, Seoul operates over 1,000 electric buses and 27 hydrogen fuel cell buses, and Bogota is electrifying its public bus network with the aim of completely electrifying its metro system.

In addition to reducing emissions, electrifying public transport can also bring health benefits to city residents. Air pollution is a major health risk, causing an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide. By reducing air pollution, electric public transport can help decrease the incidence of adverse health effects such as asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer.

To further enhance the benefits of electrifying public transport, cities can also focus on powering electric fleets with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This not only makes electric public transport more efficient but also supports the transition to cleaner energy sources. For instance, the city of Seoul, facing an air quality crisis, has the highest mean exposure to PM2.5 toxic particles among OECD countries, and its PM2.5 levels are about twice those of other developed countries. To address this, Seoul has implemented initiatives such as Breathe Warsaw, which includes installing air sensors to monitor air quality and support the phase-out of coal heating.

To meet climate goals and reduce air pollution, it is essential for cities and countries to expand and accelerate the electrification of public transport, particularly bus fleets. This includes increasing funding for public transport infrastructure and exploring innovative financing strategies, such as those demonstrated by some Latin American cities, which have already purchased and deployed hundreds of e-buses. According to the World Resources Institute, electric and fuel cell buses should comprise around 60% of all bus sales by 2030 to align with global warming targets.

Promoting active mobility

Active travel has gained significant attention from researchers, the general public, decision-makers, and planners as a viable way to address these pressing concerns. By encouraging residents to opt for walking or cycling instead of using motorized transport, cities can substantially reduce vehicle emissions and air pollution, which currently cause approximately 8.1 million deaths annually worldwide.

To facilitate this shift, urban planners and policymakers must invest in infrastructure that supports active travel. This includes creating safer pedestrian crossings, comfortable walking paths, and extensive cycling networks with dedicated bike lanes. Such improvements not only encourage active mobility but also contribute to reducing driving speeds, thereby making cities safer, greener, and more vibrant for all residents.

Additionally, promoting active mobility can lead to quieter urban environments. Unlike combustion engine vehicles, walking and cycling produce little to no noise pollution, further enhancing the livability of cities. Embracing active mobility also presents opportunities to create green jobs and directly contributes to achieving various Sustainable Development Goals.

Cities like London, Bogota, Madrid, Milan, Seoul, and Warsaw are leading the way in this regard. For example, London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has significantly reduced nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, and the city now boasts 1,300 zero-emission buses. Bogota's Barrios Vitales initiative focuses on enhancing access to bike lanes and public transport, improving air quality and road safety, and promoting social interaction and equity. Similarly, Warsaw's Breathe Warsaw partnership has installed 165 air sensors, the largest network in Europe, to better understand pollution sources and develop effective countermeasures.

Reducing vehicle emissions

Low-Emission Zones

Many cities are implementing low-emission zones, restricting vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards from entering specific areas. For example, London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has resulted in a near 50% decline in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in central London. Similarly, Madrid, Milan, Seoul, and Warsaw are also expanding their low-emission zones.

Electrifying Public Transport

Cities are transitioning to zero-emission bus fleets and electrifying public transport to reduce emissions and meet air quality targets. London has 1,300 zero-emission buses, Seoul operates over 1,000 electric buses, and Bogota is electrifying its public bus network.

Encouraging Alternative Transport

Cities are encouraging the use of alternative, environmentally friendly modes of transport such as public transit, cycling, or walking. During the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, most Beijing residents chose public transit or cycling as their primary mode of transport due to restrictions on private cars, significantly improving air quality.

Improving Fuel Efficiency

Using premium fuels with active cleaning agents can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Additionally, maintaining your vehicle by regularly changing the engine oil and air filter can also enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Reducing Idling

Unnecessary idling of vehicles pollutes the air and wastes fuel. Modern vehicles do not require "warming up" in the winter, so drivers should turn on the engine only when ready to drive. If equipped with a stop-start system, ensure it is activated to reduce idling time.

Educating citizens about health dangers

Educating citizens about the health dangers of pollution is an important step in tackling the issue. While environmental health education is becoming a global priority, it still receives little attention in schools. To address this, the US National Library of Medicine has developed a program to support environmental health education for students in grades 6-12. The program provides reliable online resources, lesson plans, and extracurricular activities to engage students and teachers in learning about environmental health.

In addition to formal education in schools, cities are also taking initiatives to raise awareness about the health dangers of pollution. Accra, for example, launched a campaign to educate people about the health dangers of indoor cookstoves and to discourage the burning of waste. Bogota, another city tackling air pollution, is focusing on electrifying its public bus network and metro system to reduce air pollution. London has expanded its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), resulting in a significant decline in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels and an increase in the number of vehicles complying with ULEZ emissions standards.

The success of ozone layer protection can be attributed to education and training, which play a crucial role in restoring equilibrium to natural systems distorted by human activities. Educating citizens about the health dangers of pollution empowers them to take appropriate action to maintain and improve the health of their environment. This includes understanding the impact of individual responsibilities, such as preferring public transport over private cars or reducing energy consumption at home.

Furthermore, community-engaged research and citizen science are collaborative approaches that involve the community in addressing environmental health concerns. For instance, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) supported a research project that combined the use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners with a home-based education program to reduce children's exposure to pollutants in the home. NIEHS also encourages community-level tactics and public policies for reducing exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and improving urban design with green spaces.

Overall, educating citizens about the health dangers of pollution is a critical aspect of addressing the issue. By providing knowledge and raising awareness, individuals can make informed decisions and take collective action to mitigate the health impacts of pollution and create healthier and more sustainable communities.

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