The urban growth and the increase in demand for automobiles have led to dangerous levels of air pollution in the citiesemissions, which are responsible for 70% of the global emissions of greenhouse gases.
In an article written for World Economic Forum, Audrey de Nazelle y Nicole Cowellof the Environmental Policy Center from Imperial College LondonThe authors of the report, stress that urban centers face an increasing challenge in combating the climate change and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.
The car dependency not only increases emissions, but also negatively affects public health and the urban environment. Currently, 6.7 million deaths per year are attributed to this problem.
Although the vehicle electrification promises progress, non-exhaust particulate emissions will continue to be a problem.
The benefits of reducing car use
The researchers highlight five reasons for rethinking the urban mobility and reduce dependence on automobiles:
- Improve physical health: Encouraging the use of bicycles and walking instead of traveling by car increases physical activity levels, which is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease and improved mental health.
- More useful public spaces: Reducing the number of cars allows reallocating space for green areas, which has a positive impact on people's physical and mental health.
- Stress and contamination reduction: Fewer cars mean less noise and cleaner air, contributing to a less stressful and healthier urban environment.
- Reduction of traffic accidents: Every year, 1.35 million people die in traffic accidents. Urban reorganization and the promotion of alternative means of transportation would reduce these risks.
- Social equity: Car dependency disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, increasing inequality in access to healthy spaces and exposing them to greater risks of pollution.
The challenge of transforming urban mobility
Despite available solutions, strategies to reduce car use are controversial and often face political and public resistance. De Nazelle and Cowell highlight the need for greater cross-sector collaboration, as well as a systemic approach to consider the multiple benefits of reducing car use.
"Systems approaches can also overcome some of the challenges of implementing urban transformations by fostering transparency and inclusiveness in decision-making. The sooner we solve this, the sooner we can start reaping the benefits of livable, healthy and people-centered cities," they say.
They argue that the transformation of the urban mobility towards a more efficient model sustainable and healthy requires concerted action between politicians, citizens and different sectors, therefore, positive communication and social support are key to implement these changes.
Source: World Economic Forum