Cities Breathe Easier
Air pollution is improving in many cities, according to the Breathe Better report. The report was released on March 11 by Breathe Cities. That’s a global effort to “help cities clean the air and protect public health,” its website says.
The report identifies 19 cities in Asia, Europe, and North America that have reduced air pollution. It focuses on two types of pollution: fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. Each city has reduced its levels of both types of air pollution by at least 20% since 2010.
The cities have accomplished this in different ways. Beijing, China, established an air quality monitoring network. Paris, France, focused on improving bike lanes. These promote a “greener, more pedestrian-friendly environment,” the report says. And in San Francisco, California, a newly created air pollution map keeps residents informed.
Air pollution is still a problem. It “remains the largest environmental health risk worldwide,” the report says. World Health Organization data shows that 99% of people breathe air that contains a high level of pollution. But the Breathe Cities report affirms that “city leadership can drive rapid and sustained improvements” in air quality.
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