Population Reports' Q&As

Meeting the Urban Challenge

Making Urban Areas Work

What steps can be implemented to help curb outdoor urban air pollution?

Reducing the dependence on private vehicles is a fundamental step that all urban areas can take to help curb outdoor air pollution. Transport systems need to be designed to move people, not vehicles. In response to mounting health and environmental problems, a number of cities have taken steps to reduce air pollution, principally by providing better public transportation systems and reducing traffic (158). Since 1998 Bogota, Colombia, has reduced motor vehicle use by building bicycle paths, restricting automobile use to certain hours in the day, and creating an effective bus system. Such actions have reduced air pollutants by 40% (158). Setting aside more land for parks and green areas also helps curb air pollution and reduce urban temperatures. The "urban heat island" effect occurs when city temperatures run higher than those in suburban and rural areas as a result of the number of buildings and loss of vegetation (49). Urban heat islands accelerate the formation of smog, which damages the natural environment and endangers health. They also increase demand for cooling energy such as fans and air conditioners. Trees and other vegetation act as natural air conditioners, cooling the air while absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen (71). For example, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority in India developed and maintains a nature park to help clean up Mumbai and decrease pollution levels.

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