London, San Francisco, and Beijing are among 19 cities worldwide that have significantly cut air pollution. Since 2010, these cities reduced levels of two harmful pollutants by over 20%.
The improvements come from actions like adding cycle lanes, increasing electric car use, and limiting polluting vehicles.
Cities Making Progress
Beijing and Warsaw led the way in reducing fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), cutting levels by more than 45%. Amsterdam and Rotterdam saw the biggest drops in nitrogen dioxide (NO2), with cuts over 40%.
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Start Your News DetoxSan Francisco was the only US city to cut both pollutants by more than 20%. China and Hong Kong are home to nine of the 19 cities on the list, with European cities making up the rest.
Cecilia Vaca Jones, executive director of Breathe Cities, noted that these reductions were once thought impossible. She said cities from Warsaw to Bangkok are showing that solutions exist right now.
How Air Pollution Harms Health
Burning fossil fuels releases toxic gases and harmful particles. These are major threats to human health. Tiny particles can enter the bloodstream and damage organs like the brain and genitals. Nitrogen dioxide harms airways and contributes to acid rain.
The report, shared with the Guardian, studied air quality in cities within the C40 and Breathe Cities networks. It found that focused efforts can lead to major reductions in pollution within 15 years.
Examples of successful actions include China's quick shift to electric cars, more cycle lanes in European cities, London's restrictions on dirty vehicles, and Warsaw's move away from coal and wood heating.
Dr. Gary Fuller, an air pollution scientist, highlighted that the report proves bold policies can improve the air we breathe. He noted that air pollution is often seen as too difficult to solve.
The Broader Impact of Clean Air
Last year, a report found that almost every country has air dirtier than recommended by doctors. Only seven countries met the World Health Organization's guidelines for PM2.5.
While there are no truly safe levels of PM2.5, doctors believe millions of lives could be saved each year by following these guidelines.
Fuller explained that polluted air affects health at every life stage. This includes low birth weight and asthma in children, and cancer and heart problems in adults. He added that air pollution is also linked to cognitive decline and dementia in older age.
These illnesses create a huge burden on families, economies, and health services. Fuller emphasized that all these illnesses are preventable.
