Dirty air is killing Europeans and costing trillions. These cities prove change is possible
From London's ULEZ to Sofia's clean air zone, European cities are proving that cleaner air is achievable – but there's still much work to do.
Air pollution remains a significant global issue, causing nearly eight million deaths in 2023 and costing the world an estimated €7.12 trillion annually, according to Breathe Cities. This invisible threat can infiltrate any organ in the body, contributing to various diseases, including cognitive decline and dementia. Former World Health Organization director Dr. María Neira emphasizes the far-reaching health impacts of pollution.
Paula Radcliffe, a former Olympic runner, has personally experienced the adverse effects of polluted air on her health and performance. Cities worldwide are taking action against air pollution, with initiatives like London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Sofia, Bulgaria's low emission zone, showing promise in reducing pollution-related deaths.
However, political will and resistance from fossil fuel industries remain significant obstacles in the fight against Europe's air pollution crisis.
Brief written by urgent.news from Euronews's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
