7 cities from Beijing to Bangkok and Paris to Copenhagen thus get rid of the pollution problem
Delhi is the most polluted city in the world in terms of air pollution. Many, especially the elderly, have difficulty breathing. According to a study by Swiss firm IQ Air and Greenpeace Southeast Asia, air pollution in Delhi killed 54,000 people in 2020.
Construction in Delhi was banned last week following a Supreme Court order. Truck access is restricted. Holidays have been declared for schools and colleges. Although all industries except gas-related industries have been banned, no permanent settlement is likely to be reached. Let's take a look at the 7 countries in the world where once pollution was a big problem, but by taking concrete steps to get rid of this problem.
China has been fighting pollution for 19 years
The situation in Beijing, the capital of China, was dire in the early 1990's. Due to the rapid industrial development, the air here was suffocated. The level of PM2.5 pollutants in the air was so high that it was difficult to see even a few meters away. Seeing the deteriorating situation in the city of 20 million people, China started fighting pollution in 1998.
First, there was a decline in cars that increased carbon emissions. Man-made forests were created at Nazing in eastern China. This helped absorb 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide per year and also produced 60 kg of oxygen. As a result, pollution in Beijing began to decline by 2013, and by 2017 the level of pollution had dropped significantly.
The military monitors factories in Thailand
Pollution was once a major problem in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, with a population of 17 million. In 2019, the situation here was similar to that in Delhi. Schools and colleges had to be closed. Not only that, the army had to be deployed to monitor the factories and industries. Thailand took drastic steps to rectify the situation. Promoted electric vehicles. Vehicles running on petrol and diesel were banned. New transportation options were explored by boating in canals to reduce road traffic.
Mexico promotes electric vehicles
In the early 1990's, Mexico City was one of the most polluted cities in the world. The population of Mexico, the capital of neighboring America, was then 9 million. Mexico has taken some drastic steps in the wake of rising air pollution. Vehicles running on petrol and diesel were banned. Many oil refineries also had to close. Encouraged people to use electric vehicles. As a result of all these efforts, the level of PM 2.5 pollutants dropped from 300 to 100 by the end of 2018.
France reduced pollution by taking 3 decisions
Europe has not been left untouched by increasing pollution. According to a WHO report, more than 3 million people died in Europe in 2019 due to pollution. Pollution was also on the rise in the beautiful city of Paris, the capital of France. Strict measures were taken to reduce pollution in this city of 21 lakh population.
1. Car travel was banned in Paris on weekends.
2. Public transport was made free.
3. Car and bike sharing was encouraged.
Only electric vehicles will be available in the Netherlands from 2025
People in the European country, the Netherlands, are also very sensitive to pollution. Most of the people here use bicycles to get anywhere. In 2015, there was a slight difference in air quality in Amsterdam, the capital of this country. After that the government and the people started working on it.
The Netherlands plans to ban all vehicles running on petrol and diesel by 2030. Not only that, after 2025 only electric vehicles will be sold here.
Huge parking fees in Switzerland
The city of Zurich in northern Switzerland has come up with a unique way to reduce pollution. The first hour has been set aside to limit parking, but there has been a hefty charge since then. Not only this, it has also been decided how many vehicles will be on the city roads at a time. Many areas have been declared as car free zones. The total population of Switzerland is only 86 million.
In Denmark, people in suits and boots ride bicycles
The people of Denmark, a Scandinavian country in northern Europe, are very much aware of pollution. The total population of this country is only 19 lakhs. Here, people in suits and boots are seen cycling on the streets. People in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, prefer to use public transport. The city aims to reduce carbon emissions by 0% by 2025.