Cutting air pollution
Cities have been held responsible for generating high levels of pollution caused by the rapid growth of urbanisation and outlying industries in many countries.
However, when policy makers and planners are environmentally aligned, cities need not be polluting environments to live in.
What you can do
Studies show (Glaeser and Kahn 2010) that emissions are lower in city centres than in the suburbs, where people are using public transport, walking and leaving the car at home.
Overall planning of cities from transportation, parklands, green lungs, trees, greening of rooftops, solar panels and other energy efficient building regulations have the potential to decrease a nation’s energy demands and form a carbon sink.
These measures will help to change the behaviour of urban citizens.
What others have done
Many global cities have introduced tariffs for entering zoned areas of central business districts.
Parking restrictions or high costs deter driving into cities.
Residential permits for parking in neighborhoods, close to transportation hubs such as Trains and Metro stations, stop cars polluting locally and causing congestion to outer central districts.
A number of cities are greening public areas, introduced regulations and monitoring Green Buildings, and urban farmers are creating green roof top gardens.
Some developers are greening the outside of buildings.
A checklist
City dwellers are changing their habits and have reduced car ownership.
Cycling, public transportation and walking has increased
Creating Green spaces even in smallest spaces inside or outside can soak up CO2 and toxic pollutants in our home environments.
Come together with local neighbourhoods to ensure the municipal authorities are protecting urban green pockets.
Check out the great video by Toptruths.com opposite
Call for change
We can live more environmentally provided there are
greener, affordable transportation options, limiting car travel, and where walking is seen as health and exercise activity.
Green spaces or gazetted natural areas in cities need to be set aside for healthy, productive, happier populations and for cities to be attractive for business, trade and investment.
Look at your village, town or city plan, call on your local representatives and planning authorities to expand new green zones.
