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https://www.transportenvironment.org/news/clean-air-possible-without-lockdowns-new-study-shows>
"In the throes of an ever worsening pandemic, the residents of Milan, forced
into lockdown in March 2020, found solace from an unlikely occurrence. Where
pollution had once hindered the view of the Alps, residents could now clearly
see their snow-capped peaks. It was a similar story across the continent. A T&E
survey at the time showed that residents throughout Europe wanted these
reductions in air pollution to remain. A new T&E study shows that it is
possible - except this time without the need for lockdowns.
The report outlines the changes in urban mobility needed for a rapid but
realistic return and lock-in of the record low air pollution levels of March
and April 2020. The analysis looked at the two most common strategies to clean
up urban mobility: a roll-out of zero-emission vehicles whose sales surged
across Europe in 2020, and a wider overhaul of mobility leading to a switch to
active travel, public transport and teleworking.
In all the cities analysed, the fastest way to lockdown-levels of pollution is
by combining active travel and public transport with zero-emission vehicles. In
Budapest, Brussels, Berlin and London, a switch to zero-emission vehicles could
also achieve similar reductions; between 42% (Budapest) and 92% (London) of all
kilometers driven by car need to go zero-emissions to replicate nitrogen oxide
(NO2) levels observed during the strictest lockdown phase. These four cities
would reach lockdown-levels of clean air quicker, however, if they combine this
with a modal shift and through teleworking, the study shows. This also brings
other benefits not observed in the study, added T&E. Less cars would mean more
public space, less accidents and less noise pollution."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
