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Indian cities have experienced exponential growth and are among the most polluted cities in the world. But pollution also affects European cities. Concerning air quality, the city of Zurich in Switzerland comes out on top followed by Copenhagen, Vienna and Stockholm. If Zurich comes out on top it is thanks to policy mix which includes a strong commitment to reduce pollution from vehicles and the promotion of cleaner forms of transport. It is clear that the development of environmentally friendly public transport systems is one of the keys to improve the air quality in our cities.The new technologies to reduce the pollution created by individual cars -for ex. the spread of diesel particle filters- is another crucial factor to respond to urban air pollution. Moreover, reports of smog alerts in Paris, Milan, or in industrial cities in Poland are not uncommon. Let us not forget that outdoor air pollution is blamed for the deaths of more than 150,000 Europeans each year. The fight against urban air pollution has just begun.

Mo Tailland / 9th September 2016

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