Air pollution: ‘We can’t breathe’, as confirmed by the Legambiente and Kyoto Club reports

The air in many Italian cities is increasingly compromised by pollution: the 2024 data from Legambiente and Kyoto Club confirm that urgent action is needed. An appeal to rethink mobility and protect health.

Giovanni Ferrandin 9 November 2024 3 minute read

The 7th MobilitAria Report 2024, produced by Kyoto Club and CNR-IIA and presented last May, complements Legambiente’s “Mal’Aria di città 2024” report, offering a complete and up-to-date picture of air pollution and mobility in Italy’s metropolitan cities.

The analysis of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter confirms that annual limits have been exceeded in many urban areas, particularly during the winter months. However, although PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations have fallen slightly compared with previous years, the health impact remains significant: there are still numerous premature deaths and a considerable loss of years of life (YLL) linked to air pollution. Economically, reducing pollution could bring significant benefits, with estimated savings reaching billions of euros a year in healthcare costs and productivity.

The report also focuses on the NETZERO 2030 cities, including Milan and Florence, which are closest to the decarbonisation and urban liveability targets set by the European Union for 2030. These cities are integrating sustainable mobility measures, such as expanding cycle lanes and increasing the number of charging points for electric vehicles. However, the MobilitAria Report highlights that, in general, urban mobility in Italy remains excessively dependent on private cars, a factor that helps keep the national motorisation rate high.

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To reverse the trend, MobilitAria proposes introducing “Low Emission Zones” and “30 km/h Cities”, as already trialled in Bologna, to encourage soft mobility and reduce pollution and road accidents. The report also suggests encouraging public transport and sustainable micromobility through a reform of the Highway Code that makes travel safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

The results of recent studies underline the importance of structural, multidisciplinary action to improve the air in Italian cities. In recent decades, in fact, pollution control regulations have led to a significant reduction in diseases linked to PM2.5 particulate matter, but ozone pollution remains critical and has been rising since 2010, calling for stricter measures.

The National Institute of Urban Planning (INU) points out that, to ensure sustainable mobility, cities must redesign their spaces with pedestrian and cycle routes, green areas and regenerated public spaces, creating environments that are not only healthier but also more liveable and resilient in the face of climate change.

Experts stress that the transition towards more sustainable mobility can generate significant economic benefits, reducing healthcare costs and improving citizens’ quality of life. Targeted measures, such as strengthening public transport and limiting traffic in high-density areas, are essential to make Italian cities healthier and in line with the goals of the European Green Deal and climate neutrality by 2030.

Sources:

Legambiente

Kyoto Club

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Air pollution: ‘We can’t breathe’, as confirmed by the Legambiente and Kyoto Club reports

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