Cities such as Sao Paulo, Brazil, have been examples to follow when increasing air quality and decreasing their carbon footprint. Sao paulo has become the first brazilian city to pass a Municipal policy for climate change (global citizen.org), doing so in 2009. This plan which can be followed by other global cities has reduced waste by implementing effective waste management, and created a network of cycling lanes hoping to lessen the effects that congestion has on the environment, this led to Sao paulo winning the sustainable transport award in 2014 (global citizen.org). When examining methods to reduce air pollution it is important to also examine the causes of the pollution. For example, as discussed above, the PM pollutant in Pakistan is caused by the mixing of dirt being blown from farms during the Punjabi dry season with pollutants from nearby factories and plants. By identifying the root of the problem, the problem will be easier to solve, and treatment efforts will be able to be targeted to the specific effects of the problem. Sustainable Housing As witnessed by the slums in cities such as Lagos and Mumbai, sustainable housing will play a large role in the development of cities. This includes housing with infrastructure meant to withstand storms, proper sanitation, and even green housing. Zoning laws should also be reconsidered/considered when accounting for the growing population. Furthermore, rising sea levels threaten cities such as amsterdam and Lagos and must be dealt with. Solutions for this problem should be creative and cost effective as well. Government Response
Cities such as Sao Paulo, Brazil, have been examples to follow when increasing air quality and decreasing their carbon footprint. Sao paulo has become the first brazilian city to pass a Municipal policy for climate change (global citizen.org), doing so in 2009. This plan which can be followed by other global cities has reduced waste by implementing effective waste management, and created a network of cycling lanes hoping to lessen the effects that congestion has on the environment, this led to Sao paulo winning the sustainable transport award in 2014 (global citizen.org). When examining methods to reduce air pollution it is important to also examine the causes of the pollution. For example, as discussed above, the PM pollutant in Pakistan is caused by the mixing of dirt being blown from farms during the Punjabi dry season with pollutants from nearby factories and plants. By identifying the root of the problem, the problem will be easier to solve, and treatment efforts will be able to be targeted to the specific effects of the problem. Sustainable Housing As witnessed by the slums in cities such as Lagos and Mumbai, sustainable housing will play a large role in the development of cities. This includes housing with infrastructure meant to withstand storms, proper sanitation, and even green housing. Zoning laws should also be reconsidered/considered when accounting for the growing population. Furthermore, rising sea levels threaten cities such as amsterdam and Lagos and must be dealt with. Solutions for this problem should be creative and cost effective as well. Government Response