Reducing Air Pollution in Cities

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  • Created by: PRM98
  • Created on: 24-04-16 16:01

Technological Innovations

  • Fitting devices to exhausts and industrial chimneys can reduce gas and particulate emissions. E.g. electrostatic precipitator-uses electrical charge to remove particles from gases.
  • Catalytic converters help to reduce the emissions from car exhausts. 
  • Electric cars
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Land use Planning

  • Urban planning can reduce levels of urban pollution. 
  • In Curitiba zones for heavy industry have been established outside the city centre, away from populated areas. There has also been a deliberate policy of mixing low-polluting land uses e.g. housing and light industry. 
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Legislation

  • Many countries have adopted air quality control legislation, setting minimum levels of emissions and air quality. 
  • UK- air quality standards are set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Monitoring is widespread and air quality warnings are issued when pollutions levels are dangerously high. 
  • USA- series of Clean Air Acts since 1960s- successful in reducing the number of pollutants. E.g. Particualte emissions fell by 80% annd SO2 levels by 50%. 
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Vehicle Restrictions

  • A number of cities operate road pricing or a congestion charge e.g. London.
  • Singapore- Vehicle ownership is heavily taxed and motorists are charged electronically using an in-car smart card for driving into the city centre. 
  • In some cities, registration plates are used to restrict cars from entering city centres e.g. odd numbers on some days and even on others. 
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