Improving Air Quality In Cities: Strategies For Success

Air pollution is a pressing issue in cities, with elevated levels compared to rural areas. Vehicle emissions are a major source of pollution, and idling engines create hotspots of pollution. To improve air quality, individuals can use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk. Electric vehicles are also a more environmentally friendly option. In addition to transport, cities can improve air quality by implementing low-emission zones, promoting active mobility, and phasing out the use of fossil fuels for heating. Citizens can advocate for clean air actions and participate in initiatives like the Urban Innovative Actions. Reducing energy consumption and using energy-efficient appliances also help lower power plant emissions.

Reduce vehicle emissions

Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution in cities. To reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, several strategies can be implemented:

Encourage the use of public transportation

Public buses, trams, subways, and trains are more environmentally friendly than private cars as they help cut congestion and reduce air pollution. Cities can invest in improving existing public transportation systems, making them more attractive, accessible, and efficient for residents. This includes providing real-time information on timing, seat availability, and current location, as well as ensuring adequate frequency and coverage to meet commuter needs.

Promote active mobility and sustainable transport options

Walking, cycling, and carpooling are zero-emission alternatives to driving private vehicles. Cities can encourage these behaviours by creating dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and carpool lanes, as well as providing incentives for those who choose these options. Rentable bikes are also a great option for those who do not own one.

Implement low-emission zones

Creating low-emission zones or ultra-low-emission zones (ULEZ) restricts vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards from entering specific areas of the city. This has been successfully implemented in London, leading to a significant decrease in older, more polluting vehicles and a reduction in air pollution exposure levels.

Improve vehicle emissions standards

The automotive industry has made significant progress in developing new emission control technologies. When purchasing a new vehicle, individuals should opt for fuel-efficient models with low greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles, hybrid cars, and cleaner-burning gasoline vehicles are more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petrol or diesel cars.

Reduce idling and optimise delivery routes

Unnecessary idling of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and school buses, contributes to air pollution and wastes fuel. Modern vehicles do not require prolonged idling for warming up in cold weather. Additionally, when scheduling deliveries, choosing flexible time windows can help optimise delivery truck routes and avoid unnecessary trips.

By implementing these strategies and prioritising the reduction of vehicle emissions, cities can significantly improve air quality and create a healthier environment for their residents.

Use public transport

Using public transport is a highly effective way to reduce air pollution in cities. Public transport helps to cut congestion and reduce air pollution. Buses, trams, subways, and trains are more affordable than driving a car, and they are also more fuel-efficient per rider. A full-size diesel-powered bus with just seven passengers has greater fuel efficiency than the average car. A fully occupied bus has a fuel efficiency that is six times greater, while a fully occupied train car has a fuel economy 15 times greater than the average single-occupancy car.

By increasing ridership on public transport, huge amounts of fuel can be saved while also reducing the amount of air pollution. A study following the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games found that expanded public transportation services reduced peak car use by 22.5% and led to decreased amounts of mobile source emissions from single-occupancy vehicles. During the Games, emergency rooms and hospitals saw a 42% decrease in asthma-related admissions due to lower air pollution levels.

Public transport is not only more affordable and fuel-efficient, but it is also more convenient. In many cities, public transport options like buses and trains are often accompanied by walking and cycling infrastructure, which provides a workout while travelling. Many cities now offer e-tickets through their apps, making it even easier to use public transport.

To encourage the use of public transport, some cities have implemented free public transport schemes. Tallinn, Estonia, for example, introduced free public transport to promote its use, reduce car traffic, and improve mobility for low-income and unemployed groups. While free public transport may not always lead to a reduction in car usage, it can increase social inclusion, improve health, and boost employment opportunities.

In addition to using public transport, individuals can also reduce air pollution by carpooling, biking, or choosing electric vehicles. These simple choices can have a significant impact on improving air quality and creating healthier, more sustainable cities.

Phase out fossil fuels

Phasing out fossil fuels is a crucial step in improving air quality in cities and has been recognised as a priority by organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN). According to the WHO's global air quality guidelines, air pollution has a significant impact on human health, causing millions of deaths each year. A study published in the BMJ found that of the 8.34 million deaths caused by air pollution annually, 61% (approximately 5.1 million) were linked to fossil fuels. This figure is much higher than previously estimated, highlighting the urgent need to transition to clean energy sources.

To phase out fossil fuels effectively, a global shift to renewable and clean energy sources is necessary. This includes adopting renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. For example, cities can invest in renewable energy infrastructure, promote the use of electric vehicles, and improve public transportation systems to reduce the reliance on private cars.

In addition to reducing air pollution, phasing out fossil fuels has co-benefits for addressing climate change. The Paris Climate Agreement, for instance, aims for climate neutrality by 2050, which can be achieved by transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources. This will help limit the global temperature rise caused by greenhouse gases and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

While a complete phase-out of fossil fuels is ideal, even smaller reductions in fossil fuel emissions can have substantial health benefits. This is particularly important in high-income countries that are heavily reliant on fossil fuels and in low and middle-income countries where the use of fossil fuels is increasing. By prioritising policies that reduce emissions and investing in renewable energy sources, cities and countries can improve air quality and protect the health of their residents.

Some cities have already taken steps to phase out fossil fuels and reduce air pollution. For example, Warsaw has banned coal burning and eliminated low-efficiency stoves, while Seoul and Washington D.C. have implemented emissions standards for boilers. These initiatives demonstrate the feasibility of transitioning away from fossil fuels and improving air quality on a large scale.

Create low-emission zones

Low-emission zones (LEZs) are a policy tool available to cities to improve air quality, reduce congestion, raise revenue, and achieve climate goals. There are more than 250 of these zones across Europe, and they have been proven to work in non-European contexts, such as Kevadia in India and Seoul in South Korea.

The success of a low-emission zone depends on several factors. Firstly, the objectives, area(s), scope, and timelines of the LEZ should be clearly defined during the design phase. For example, the scope of the LEZ can vary in terms of area coverage and vehicle emission categories. The LEZ in Berlin, Germany, has become stricter over the years, and today, a green sticker is required to drive within the zone. This sticker is valid in every German low-emission zone, facilitating control for officials. Similarly, Brussels's low-emission zone prohibits highly polluting vehicles from entering the capital region, and cars must be registered online to enter the zone. Alternatively, drivers of polluting cars can purchase a day pass.

Communication is another critical aspect of implementing an LEZ. It is essential to communicate the plans well in advance and involve citizens and businesses in the process. This includes acknowledging and addressing the concerns of stakeholders who will be directly affected by the LEZ. To ensure compliance, cities can implement measures such as license plate recognition technology, as seen in Barcelona, Spain, where authorities monitor whether vehicles comply with the LEZ requirements.

Complementary measures should also be put in place to promote alternatives to polluting vehicles, such as active mobility and public or shared transport. For example, London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has contributed to a significant reduction in toxic nitrogen dioxide pollution, with a mode shift towards active transportation (like walking or cycling) and increased use of public transportation. Providing targeted financial support to vulnerable groups and local businesses can also facilitate a smoother transition to low-emission zones.

Conserve energy

Conserving energy is a key strategy to improve air quality in cities. Energy efficiency reduces both indoor and outdoor air pollution, bringing a range of economic, environmental, and health benefits. Here are some ways to conserve energy and improve air quality:

Reduce Energy Consumption at Home

• Turn down the thermostat: Keep your home heated to 68°F (20°C) during the day and 60°F (15.5°C) at night. Use extra blankets and sweaters instead of turning up the heat. In the summer, dress lightly to reduce air conditioning costs and energy usage.
• Lower water temperature: Turn down your water heater to 120°F (48.8°C) to cut your water heating costs and energy usage.
• Purchase energy-efficient products: Look for the Energy Star label on products and equipment to reduce your energy bill and lighting charges while cutting pollution.
• Insulate your house: Ensure your home is well-insulated, and never leave windows or doors open when heating or cooling. Use weatherstrip tape to seal leaks and reduce outside heat transfer.
• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use: Unplug devices or turn off power strips to prevent them from drawing power unnecessarily.

Improve Energy Efficiency in Transportation

• Opt for public transportation: Use buses, trams, subways, or trains instead of driving. These options help reduce emissions, congestion, and air pollution while also being more affordable.
• Carpool or commute with others: If you need to drive, share rides with colleagues or use carpooling apps to find commute partners. This reduces the number of vehicles on the road and lowers emissions.
• Choose electric or hybrid vehicles: Consider investing in electric or hybrid cars, which have lower emissions and are more cost-effective in the long run due to lower maintenance fees and electricity costs.
• Maintain your vehicle: Keep your car in good repair, fix exhaust and oxygen sensor problems promptly, and check your tire pressure monthly. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage and increase fuel consumption.

Enhance Industrial and Building Energy Efficiency

• Improve industrial site efficiency: Industries can make significant reductions in emissions by enhancing the efficiency of their processes and reducing their reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.
• Implement building retrofits: Support or advocate for building retrofits and energy-saving programs that reduce energy consumption within buildings, lowering the demand for power generation.
• Advocate for energy policies: Encourage local governments to establish mandatory vehicle fuel efficiency standards and emissions regulations for boilers and stoves to reduce pollution from transportation and heating sources.

By conserving energy and improving energy efficiency, we can significantly contribute to the reduction of air pollution in our cities, leading to a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.

Frequently asked questions