Turin, Milan, Modena, Asti, Padua, Venice conquer the bad record of the most polluted cities of 2022. Together with 25 others they have collected the worst data for air quality. For the Relationship Bad air of Legambiente 72 cities are completely out of the parameters on health and the environment. The news is making the rounds of Europe, because Italy is among the countries where the energy and ecological transition does not seem to take due account of urban agglomerations. Moreover, the government has not yet approved the National Climate Plan. The critical assessments start from the fact that the most polluted cities (but not only) are lagging behind European standards. From this year, in fact, a maximum of 20 micrograms/mc must be respected for fine particles classified as PM10 and 10 micrograms/mc for other fine particles with a smaller diameter and classified as PM2.5. PM10 dust has been kept a little more under control in cities but the levels are not suitable for "guaranteeing the health of citizens, in consideration of the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the limits set by the new European directive on quality of the air, » reads the Report. The levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) scattered around the city are also high. In short, 2022 closed very badly for 29 out of 95 cities that exceeded the current limits every day. In addition to the cities we mentioned at the beginning, the Legambiente black list also includes Vicenza, Bergamo, Piacenza, Alessandria, Como, Brescia, Mantua. All have recorded high peaks of air pollution in one way or another. So we need a change of pace and greater attention on the part of the government and local administrations. More investments that contribute to cleaning up the environment and grafting virtuous circuits for the urban economy. And maybe it's time to start reviewing the city's environmental plans (if they have been adopted) and with what specifications.
In polluted cities, mobility is under accusation
From February 1 starts there awareness campaign touring Celan Cities. Until 17 March, 2 capital cities will hold meetings and discussions with representatives of local administrations, experts and citizens to discuss the ecological challenges in the various urban contexts. Economic resources should not be lacking, given that efficient transport and the abatement of polluting sources in public buildings are in the PNRR and in other uncommitted European funds. The mayors, however, must do their duty, taking care to prepare the public notices in a timely manner. The critical point of the movements, it should mark a strong discontinuity, also acting on private behaviors that often rely on private vehicles because public ones are collapsing. Legambiente proposes the transition from the Ztl (limited traffic zones) to the ZEZ (zero emission zones). Despite everything, this is demonstrated by the experience of Milan (with area B) or the ultra Low Emission Zone in London. The speed limitation to 30 km per hour is also fine, together with the upgrading of buses and trams, the electrification of buses and sharing mobility. « Air pollution is not only an environmental problem, but also a health problem of great importance ", says Stefano Ciafani, President of Legambiente. “In Europe, it is the first cause of death premature - he adds - and Italy records a sad record with more than 52 thousand deaths per year by PM2.5, equal to 1/5 of those detected throughout the continent ». Even for this frightening reality it is necessary that the Municipalities - argues Ancici - are important actions for the innovation and decarbonisation of urban mobility. Never as in this case public spending helps to live better.
