Urban air pollution has fallen 60% in the two Canary Islands capitals since the state of alarm began, according to a report by Action Ecologists that measures nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in 129 measuring stations distributed among the 26 main cities of the country.
In the case of The Gran Canarian palms the average reduction in NO2 levels is quantified in 61% and in Santa Cruz of Tenerife 60% less than in the same period of the previous ten years.
In the specific case of traffic-oriented stations those of The Gran Canarian palms show a decrease of 63% and in the case of Santa Cruz of Tenerife a 53%.
For the organization, this “dramatic situation” created by the Covid-19 pandemic comes to “corroborate” that the reduction of motorized traffic in cities has clear effects in reducing pollution.
Paradoxically, they point out, the way out of this harsh crisis could lead to an increase in air pollution above previous levels.
Therefore, for the ongoing de-escalation, Ben Magec-Ecologists in Action It proposes to maintain good practices such as proximity shopping, voluntary teleworking, electronic administration or staggering of working hours.
Immediately Active pedestrian and bicycle mobility must be promoted, giving up more space for these means and establishing the urban speed limit at 30 kilometers per hour.
Furthermore, they point out that public transport is essential for urban mobility, so its viability must be guaranteed with a financing law and, once the crisis is over, the introduction of low-emission areas in cities should be accelerated “ambitious”.
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