As pollution only puts public health at risk, governments and cities are under increasing pressure to protect their citizens. As a measure, four major cities will ban diesel-powered vehicles to improve air quality.

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The mayors of Mexico City, Paris, Madrid and Athens have pledged to become the first large urban areas to ban diesel cars by 2025. Incentives will be implemented to encourage citizens to use alternative vehicles as well as promotion To go on foot and bike. They hope to pave the way for a cleaner, safer city to protect people against exposure to harmful chemicals and particles.

"The mayors have already taken a step forward to make known that climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face," says Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris and president of the Climate Leadership Group C40, held in Mexico City last week. "We do not tolerate air pollution and the health and death problems it entails. Big problems, like this one, require bold action, and we call on car and bus manufacturers to join us. "

Diesel combustion produces high levels of nitrogen oxide, as well as soot particles that enter the lungs and produce multiple health problems: lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and even bladder cancer. Globally, it is estimated that at least 3 million people a year die prematurely due to the inhalation of polluted air, and most of these occur in urban centers.

The push to ban diesel-powered vehicles is expected to drive a rapid transition to hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, which will not only significantly improve air quality, but will also help in the fight against climate change. "The quality of the air we breathe in our cities is directly linked to the fight against climate change," says Manuela Carmena, mayor of Madrid. "As we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, our air will be cleaner and will make our children, our grandparents and our neighbors healthier."

Pressure is now mounting on mayors from other major cities to join the proposal with similar commitments, in an attempt not to do something to save the climate, but also to save lives.

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<h6>Reference:
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38170794">BBC</a></h6>

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