Brussels, 16/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - “Clean air - it's your move!” is the slogan of European Mobility Week, an annual event which was kicked off this year in Brussels on Monday 16 September, to raise awareness among the citizens of the harmful impact of transport on ambient air quality and to encourage them to make changes to their mobility choices in order to contribute to the fight against pollution in urban areas (see EUROPE 10921). More than 2,000 European towns and cities will take part in this 12th edition of an event held annually with the support of the European Commission's DG Environment).
The theme of air quality was a quite deliberate choice, as the Commission is preparing its revision of the EU strategy in this matter and is to present its proposals this autumn (see EUROPE 10860).
“This year we focus on the impact of our daily choices on air and our health. Cities have a great role to play when it comes to improving actions for transport. By raising awareness and offering greener alternatives, cities can become more attractive places for people to live. When it comes to clean air, it's your move!”, said Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for the Environment.
It is often the responsibility of the local authorities to devise urban transport strategies which respond to the demand for mobility, protect the environment, improve air quality and make cities pleasanter places to live. Giving the citizens more options to use public transport, share journeys, commute by bicycle rather than by car or simply walk can enhance the quality of life in European towns and cities. But “we each have a role to play”, Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas points out, as everyone can try alternative solutions to the private car. The stakes are high as urban traffic is a growing source of atmospheric pollution - particularly in particles and nitrogen oxide - which can cause cardiorespiratory problems, early deaths (more than 400,000 early deaths in 2010 in the EU) and reduced life expectancy. (AN/transl.fl)