Italy's Fight Against Air Pollution: Strategies And Initiatives

Italy is taking several measures to reduce air pollution, particularly in the north, where heavy industries are located, and large metropolitan areas such as Milan and Turin, which have some of the worst air quality in Europe. In recent years, Italy has implemented traffic restrictions, adopted the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, and invested in renewable energy sources such as solar power. The country has also established the Sustainable Mobility Fund to promote low-impact fuels and ecological vehicles for goods distribution. Additionally, Italy is actively working to reduce methane emissions by increasing waste recycling and methane recovery from landfills.

Reducing emissions of SLCPs

Italy is taking several measures to reduce emissions of SLCPs (short-lived climate pollutants) and improve air quality. As a member of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Italy supports initiatives to complement the efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

• Reducing HFC emissions: Italy has recently adopted important measures to reduce HFC emissions, including instituting a certification system for personnel and companies handling these gases. This is in line with the country's commitments under the Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs with high global warming potential.
• Transport sector interventions: Italy is actively promoting the use of low-impact fuels and ecological vehicles for goods distribution. The country is also developing services and infrastructure for public transport, co-financing projects through the Sustainable Mobility Fund established in 2006. For example, Italy has co-financed 187 projects totalling 195 million Euros. These initiatives aim to reduce black carbon emissions from the transport sector.
• Waste management and methane recovery: Italy is committed to increasing the percentage of total waste recycled and improving methane recovery from landfills. This dual approach helps reduce methane emissions while also contributing to a more circular economy.
• International cooperation: Italy is engaged in international efforts to reduce SLCPs, such as through bilateral agreements with countries like Iraq. For instance, Italy and Iraq have agreed on a joint programme to reduce emissions from oil and gas production. Additionally, several projects have been undertaken in China to assess the feasibility of biogas recovery for energy production, and a pilot project in Mexico focuses on municipal solid waste recycling and the co-generation of bio-energy.
• Addressing private buildings and home heating: In recognition of the impact of private buildings and home heating on air pollution, Italy is encouraging the use of electric, hybrid, and gas (LPG) cars. The country is also taking measures to regulate the circulation of petrol and diesel cars, as well as promoting energy efficiency and the adoption of low-emission technologies for domestic heating.

Improving transport

Italy has been taking steps to improve its transport systems and reduce air pollution. Here are some measures being implemented:

Electrification of Transport

The Italian government is encouraging the use of electric, hybrid, and gas (LPG) vehicles to reduce emissions. Direct electrification of transport is seen as the best option to reduce environmental impact and improve energy security. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are particularly suitable for motorcycles, cars, commercial vans, and regional heavy-duty transport, offering high energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and emission reduction capabilities. Electric buses, such as the one seen in Milan, are also being introduced.

Incentives for Electric Vehicles

Incentives for electric vehicles are being provided, especially for commercial vehicles with high-intensity use and large fleets. However, these incentives must be carefully designed to avoid increasing the demand for cars and should be part of a package of measures that includes a shift towards public transport, cycling, and walking.

Development of Charging Infrastructure

The development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is crucial. Italy needs to establish more public charging points and create a regulatory framework to facilitate the installation of private ones.

Improving Public Transport

Several Italian cities are working to improve public transportation, particularly electric vehicles. Four regional capitals (Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Cagliari) plan to boost electric public transport by 2030. Additionally, cities like Florence and Bologna are speeding up procedures to implement cycle networks.

Promoting Active Mobility

Italy is promoting active mobility options like cycling and walking. Milan, for instance, announced plans to transform 35 km of road space into cycle lanes and wider pavements, though the reality has been less encouraging with the suspension of low-emission zones. Nevertheless, Milan has started work on its cycle lanes, and other cities like Rome, Turin, Florence, Bologna, and Pesaro are also making efforts to improve cycling infrastructure.

Reducing Logistics-Related Pollution

Logistics and delivery services contribute significantly to air pollution, often using diesel trucks. There is a growing recognition of the need to make transportation greener in this sector, with some companies investing in electric vehicles for deliveries.

Reducing HFC emissions

Italy has recognised the importance of addressing climate change and has taken several measures to reduce HFC emissions. Here are some key actions and their impacts on reducing HFC emissions:

Supporting the Phase-Down of HFCs: Italy, as a member of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, supports the phase-down of HFCs with high global warming potential under the Montreal Protocol. This international agreement aims to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases.

Certification System: Italy has established a certification system for personnel and companies handling HFCs. This system ensures proper training and handling procedures, reducing the risk of accidental releases and promoting best practices in the management of these gases.

Bilateral Cooperation: Italy has engaged in bilateral cooperation with Iraq to reduce emissions from oil and gas production. By sharing knowledge and technologies, Italy is helping Iraq transition to more sustainable practices, reducing HFC emissions in the process.

Promoting Low-Impact Fuels and Ecological Vehicles: Italy actively promotes the use of low-impact fuels and ecological vehicles for goods distribution. Through the Sustainable Mobility Fund, Italy has co-financed numerous projects, encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly transportation options and reducing emissions from the transport sector.

Methane Recovery and Waste Recycling: Italy is committed to increasing the percentage of total waste recycled and methane recovered from landfills. By focusing on waste management and methane recovery, Italy is not only reducing methane emissions but also contributing to a more circular economy.

Reducing Emissions from Industrial Sectors: Italy has made significant progress in reducing emissions from industrial sectors. The relocation of factories, closure of old plants, automation, and stricter regulations have collectively contributed to lower emissions, including HFCs, from industrial activities.

These actions demonstrate Italy's commitment to reducing HFC emissions and improving air quality. By implementing regulations, promoting sustainable initiatives, and engaging in international cooperation, Italy is actively contributing to the global efforts to address climate change and mitigate its impacts.

Promoting green spaces

Italy has recognised the importance of tackling climate change and has joined the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to further its efforts. As part of this, Italy is actively promoting initiatives to reduce black carbon emissions from the transport sector, such as the use of low-impact fuels and ecological vehicles for the distribution of goods.

One way Italy can further its efforts is by promoting green spaces. Green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and waterways, are important public spaces that offer solutions to the effects of rapid, unsustainable urbanisation on health and well-being. They also provide social and economic benefits and should be viewed in the context of global issues such as climate change and sustainable development.

• Increase the number and quality of green spaces: This can help mitigate short-lived climate pollutants, which contribute significantly to the over 7 million premature air-pollution-related deaths that occur annually worldwide. Urban fountains, ponds, lakes, and roof gardens can also help moderate temperature extremes and reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, resulting in improved air quality in cities.
• Improve accessibility and attractiveness of green spaces: Providing accessible, attractive, and well-maintained green spaces with room for socialisation and a sense of safety can increase people's motivation to use them. This can be achieved by ensuring proper signage, good information, and facilities, as well as organising activities and providing education about the benefits of green spaces.
• Involve the community in the design and maintenance of green spaces: Engaging the community in the creation or restructuring of green spaces is crucial to meeting their needs and can contribute to higher-quality green spaces. It can also positively impact attitudes towards the environment and social cohesion.
• Combine actions and embed them within local community structures: Combining actions that target the quantity and quality of green spaces ("hardware") with those that promote awareness of their availability, location, and accessibility ("software") is essential. Embedding these actions within local community structures and social networks can lead to more effective and lasting change.
• Address health inequalities: Socially disadvantaged people often have less access to public green spaces. Providing and maintaining appropriate green spaces in urban areas can help reduce health inequalities and buffer the effects of stressors such as unemployment. Additionally, creating green spaces in disadvantaged neighbourhoods can help reduce crime.
• Target specific groups: Deprived communities, children, older people, people with mental health issues, and pregnant women are among the greatest beneficiaries of urban green spaces. Tailored interventions and activities can be designed to improve their health and well-being.
• Evaluate and collaborate: More evaluation and longitudinal studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of green space interventions. A broad multidisciplinary collaboration and a combination of actions are necessary to improve the use of green spaces and achieve lasting effects.

By promoting green spaces and implementing the above strategies, Italy can contribute to improved environmental sustainability, better public health, and enhanced health equity.

Reducing home heating pollution

Italy has been taking several measures to reduce air pollution, and one critical aspect is addressing home heating pollution. Here are some strategies Italy is implementing to reduce pollution from home heating:

Transition to Cleaner Energy Sources

Italy is encouraging the use of electric, hybrid, and gas (LPG) vehicles and promoting the integration of renewable and alternative energy sources for heating. By reducing the reliance on diesel and petrol, which are major contributors to air pollution, Italy can significantly improve air quality.

Regulations and Policy Changes

The Italian government has implemented regulations and policies to combat air pollution from home heating. This includes establishing a certification system for personnel and companies handling HFC emissions and adopting national guidelines on the use of biomass for domestic heating. By enforcing stricter standards and promoting the use of low-emission technologies, Italy can reduce the amount of particulate matter and pollutants released into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reductions

Italy is focused on increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions from the residential sector. This includes initiatives such as the Sustainable Mobility Fund, which co-finances projects that promote sustainable transportation and reduce black carbon emissions. Additionally, Italy is committed to increasing the percentage of total waste recycled and methane recovered from landfills, which can help decrease the need for energy consumption in heating systems.

Public Awareness and Behavioural Changes

The Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) has emphasized the importance of changing daily habits to reduce home heating pollution. This includes rationalizing energy consumption, limiting the duration of heating system usage, and lowering temperatures in homes. Public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in encouraging residents to adopt more energy-efficient practices and reduce their contribution to air pollution.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

Italy is investing in technological advancements to mitigate home heating pollution. For example, the Air Pollution Abatement (APA) system controls and improves air quality in various settings, including residential areas. APA utilizes intelligent environmental sensor monitoring systems, Wi-Fi, IoT, and AI solutions to provide real-time data and help manage pollution levels effectively.

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