In some parts of the world, including Brazil, cities facing high levels of pollution have successfully pivoted by adopting cleaner urban models.
Bogotá, Colombia, is a reference for sustainable mobility by encouraging the use of electric buses and bicycle paths. In Brazil, Curitiba has invested in more efficient public transport and recycling policies. The city is also known for having 70% of its population using public transportation, which helps keep polluting gas emissions at low levels.
Freiburg, Germany, adopted “passive” buildings that significantly reduce energy consumption, and Copenhagen, Denmark, reduced emissions by investing in cycle paths and integrated transport.
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Clean mobility in big cities
For this change to really happen, it is essential that cities provide the right infrastructure to make car-free travel more attractive, such as safe, shaded roads for the use of bicycles and scooters. Quality public transport completes the cycle, allowing citizens to replace cars with collective or alternative means.
Flavia Martinelli, a climate change expert at WWF-Brazil, said reducing pollution in cities requires a political decision to work together.
“Reducing urban pollution requires a combination of public policies. There is no point in encouraging cycling without safe cycle paths and efficient public transport. Actions need to be integrated into urban reality,” says Flavia.
Waste management and river restoration
Waste management and sewage treatment are also essential pillars for cities that have reversed pollution. Since the implementation of the National Solid Waste Policy, Brazilian municipalities have built recycling programs, methane recovery plants, and public-private partnerships to properly dispose of waste.
Smart drainage solutions have also become a reality, including modern urban engineering strategies that mimic the natural behavior of water in the landscape. Some cities are digging up rivers and building linear parks that serve as retarding basins. These efforts not only reduce flooding, but also improve water quality and restore waterways to the urban landscape.
Urban growth with more greenery and less traffic
After investing in mobility and waste management, many cities are increasingly concerned with how they occupy their territory. Green spaces, tree-lined streets, and accessible open spaces can help improve air quality and lower temperatures in densely populated areas.
“Nature-based solutions have proven to be particularly effective, as they act as living filters, helping to stabilize the urban microclimate and continuously reduce the concentration of pollutants,” said Ana Carolina Nadalini, environmental engineer and professor at the Brazilian Institute for Engineering Evaluation (IBAPE).
Another strategy is the creation of service and commerce hubs. Rather than having everything centralized, decentralization reduces the need for long-distance travel. This strategy eases traffic and reduces gas emissions from vehicles.
Cities that invest in green space and decentralized commerce can reduce travel and reduce pollutant emissions. Photo of Curitiba, Paraná.
Education and public policy need to work together
Samanta Pineda, a lawyer and legal consultant with the Farmers’ Parliamentary Front (FPA), says that citizen involvement is crucial for the changes adopted by cities to be effective.
“Environmental policy cannot be maintained without society’s participation. Laws are important, but people’s involvement guarantees real results,” Samanta elaborates.
Environmental education campaigns, efficient garbage collection and well-organized public services contribute to strengthening compliance with these sustainable practices.
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