Nineteen cities around the world have achieved “remarkable reductions” in air pollution, reducing levels of two harmful pollutants by more than 20% since 2010. According to a report by The Guardian, London, San Francisco and Beijing are on the list.
The study report analyzed nearly 100 cities around the world and found that measures such as expanding cycle lanes, increasing the use of electric vehicles and limiting high-polluting vehicles play a vital role in improving air quality.
Beijing, Warsaw lead to reduced pollution
According to the analysis, Beijing and Warsaw saw the biggest reductions in PM2.5, a dangerous fine pollutant, reducing levels by more than 45%.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam and Rotterdam saw the biggest improvement in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, reducing levels by more than 40%.
Among US cities, San Francisco was the only one to reduce both pollutants by more than 20%.
The report also found that China and Hong Kong account for nine of the 19 cities, while the remaining cities are in Europe.
Cities can solve the air pollution crisis
“This report shows that cities can achieve what was previously thought impossible: reduce toxic air pollution by 20-45% in just over a decade,” said Cecilia Vaca Jones, executive director of Breathe Cities, one of the organizations behind the report. The Guardian.
“This is not just happening in one corner of the world, cities from Warsaw to Bangkok are proving that we have the tools to solve this crisis right now,” she added.
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The report analyzed cities that are part of the C40 and Breathe Cities networks, which focus on improving urban air quality and tackling climate change. It found that “significant reductions” could be achieved within 15 years through thoughtful policy measures.
Examples can be China’s rapid transition to electric cars, the expansion of cycling infrastructure in European cities, London’s restrictions on polluting vehicles or Warsaw’s shift away from coal and wood for household heating.
Air pollution is a major health threat
Scientists warn that burning fossil fuels releases toxic gases and harmful particles that pose a serious risk to human health.
Fine particles such as PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, damaging organs including the brain. Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the respiratory tract and contribute to acid rain.
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“Air pollution is often presented as a problem that is too difficult to solve and that is politically unpopular,” said Dr. Gary Fuller, an air pollution scientist at Imperial College London.
“This report shows that bold policy can improve the air we breathe,” he said.
Global air quality remains a concern
Despite improvements in some cities, air pollution remains a major global problem. A study last year found that almost every country in the world has air that is more polluted than doctors recommend.
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According to IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, only seven countries have met the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines for PM2.5.
Experts say there are no completely safe levels of PM2.5, but following WHO guidelines can save millions of lives each year.
