According to the air quality data released by the Italian environmental protection organization Legambiente on the occasion of the 54th "World Earth Day", from January to March 2024, 8 cities in Italy have exceeded the standard PM10 (inhalable particulate matter) for 35 days, with an average of more than 50 micrograms per cubic meter, and the most polluted are Verona, Vicenza and Padua. According to Rainews, Legambient said that the more polluted cities were Verona, which exceeded the limit by 44 days in the first 91 days of the year, followed by Vicenza with 41 days, Padua with 39 days, Frosinone by 38 days, and Brescia, Cremona, Turin and Venice by 36 days. In addition, Treviso exceeded the limit by 35 days, and Modena, Milan, Monza and Rovigo exceeded the limit by 34 days. According to Italian government regulations, the concentration of inhalable particulate matter in the atmosphere of a city cannot exceed 50 micrograms per cubic meter for more than 35 days per year.
Data from the European Times profile picture shows that since the beginning of this year, the concentration of inhalable particulate matter has reached an alarming peak, with daily averages well above the legal limit. Of the 168 stations for which data were available, 109 had inhalable particulate matter concentrations exceeding 100 μg/m3 for at least one day, with the highest recorded concentration exceeding 200 μg/m3. The daily concentrations measured at the relevant monitoring stations were not only double or even three times the permissible limit, but also occurred on several occasions. For example, Venice had 12 days with concentrations above 100 μg/m3, Rimini, Milan, Padua, Piacenza and Modena for 8 days, and Verona, Bologna, Ravenna and Ferrara for 7 days. Involve people in the fight against air pollution," said Legambiente President Giorgio Zampetti: "The air pollution situation in the first 91 days of the year is really worrying. That's why, on Earth Day, we want to focus our attention again on air quality and ask for a collective commitment from all." We need greater commitment and concrete actions that cannot be delayed, that are effective and impactful, and that implement urban, regional and national policies in areas related to key emitting sectors such as transport, agriculture, home heating and industry. The protection of the planet should first and foremost focus on good air quality, and in order to have a clean air environment and a more livable and healthy city, it is necessary not only to have relevant institutions and organizations to fulfill their responsibilities, but also to involve as many citizens as possible in the fight against air pollution. People have an important role to play in three specific areas, including more sustainable transport, urban greening, and more prudent, environmentally friendly food choices. ”
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"People can first change their habits and use less cars on short trips and more on foot, bicycle or public transport, which is not only environmentally friendly but also convenient," says Giorgio Zampetti. People can also take interventions to make households more energy-efficient and consciously choose to buy environmentally friendly foods and reduce the consumption of products that come from intensive farming and agriculture. At the same time, it is also necessary to increase the amount of green space in the city, plant more trees, and take care of the greenery in public places, which can become the 'lungs' of the city, so that people can breathe clean air again. (The content is from the European Times, compilation: Li Shuo, the picture source is marked below, please indicate)