Between 2005 and 2024, the levels of the two most harmful atmospheric pollutants – the fine particles and nitrogen dioxide – decreased by 55% and 50% respectively. A result that makes you think and shows how precise adequate public regulations and policies implemented on various stairs, starting withabandonment of cars for more than a decadebear their fruits.
And no, let’s not talk about Italy but about Paris, or rather of the ale-de-French, where the significant drop in polluting agents It is the result of a winning mix of European, national and local policies. To say it is the new Airparif report, which however has also found that ozone is the only great pollutant that has not decreased in the last 20 years.
Unlike fine particles or nitrogen dioxide, theozone is not released directly into the airbut instead it is formed when sunlight triggers a chemical reaction among other pollutants, such as those of cars or factories. This type of ozone, which is found at the ground level, can be harmful to human health, especially on hot and sunny days.
The report
According to the report, since 2005, the concentrations of the two main pollutants regulated for their health effects – The fine particulates (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (No₂) – have decreased by 55% and 50% respectively. Consequently, the number of premature deaths linked to air pollution has decreased by a third between 2010 and 2019.
However, low altitude ozone is an exception: its impact on health is stagnant, in particular due to global warming and the transport of pollution on long distances. This observation is shared on the scale of the northern hemisphere.
The inhabitants of Paris, of the internal suburbs and those located near the circulation routes are the most exposed to air pollution
In 2024, about 800 residents of the ile-de-French were still exposed to overcoming the regulatory limit values, mainly in the immediate vicinity of the main roads, compared to the 5,000 people of 2023. The inhabitants of Paris, the internal suburbs and the areas close to intense traffic remain the most exposed.
Despite the progress observed, however, we read in the relationship, air pollution is still responsible for significant impact on health. In $ 2019, in 2019, in 2019, it led to an average loss of 10 months of life expectancy per adult and contributed to 10-20% of cases of chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, bpco, tumors) and 5-10% of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases (stroke, heart attack, type 2 diabetes).
These atmospheric pollution heat maps show the levels of 20 years ago in red He turned on with almost all neighborhoods and above the limit of the European Union for nitrogen dioxide, produced by the combustion of fossils. Already in 2023, the red area had reduced to a simple network of thin lines through and around the city, which represented the busiest roads and highways.
According to Airparif and Ors-Idf’s work, at least A quarter of the premature deaths due to air pollution could be avoided if future European limit values were respected.
Airparif estimates show that current policies could allow to conform to future air quality standards on almost all territory by 2030. However, additional efforts would be needed in the areas most exposed to traffic.
Paris has shown that reducing air pollution is possible and did so by focusing on policies that favor sustainable mobility: an increase in public transport, the expansion of the cycle paths and the limitation of vehicular traffic in the most densely populated areas.
For Italy, there is still a lot to do to get to the Paris levels in terms of air quality. Italian cities are still dominated by private traffic, which is one of the main sources of air pollution. The incentive policies for the use of public transport should be enhanced, together with an expansion of the networks of cycle paths, in order to gradually reduce dependence on the car. In addition, it is essential to encourage the use of more ecological technologies, such as electric vehicles, and introduce lowest low -emission areas in cities.
In short, in these parts, the investment in the research and implementation of innovative solutions for the management of traffic and transport should be increased, making the urban infrastructure more sustainable. The example of Paris should serve as a guide, but it is clear that a strong political will is necessary to implement these changes effectively and lastingly.
Here you will find the complete report.
