The noise of speeding cars and the heat of concrete streets create a challenging environment. For many, these issues might be annoying, but for scientists, they represent serious health risks. In Europe, environmental dangers are linked to 18% of cardiovascular disease deaths and 10% of cancer deaths. Traffic accidents in the EU claim five times more lives than murders.
Are safe and healthy cities just a dream? Four environmental health experts share insights from some of Europe’s greenest capitals.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, an environmental epidemiologist, praises Copenhagen as one of the best cities to live in. She notes that 30-40% of Copenhageners commute by bike daily, which helps them avoid harmful car emissions. This success comes from well-planned bike lanes and reducing car space.
“Freedom is having various choices, not just one poor option,” she explains, highlighting the joy of clean air and healthier living. Although air pollution remains a concern—pollutants can affect children’s grades—Andersen believes in the city’s potential. She hopes for stricter regulations, like congestion pricing.
Vienna, Austria
Mathew White, an environmental psychologist, finds Vienna to be a fantastic place to live. Its mix of social housing, green spaces, and an affordable public transport system contribute to its high livability rankings. White’s work shows that access to parks is equitably distributed, helping reduce health disparities.
“Spending time in nature helps people cope with daily stress,” he says. Even the city’s lower-income residents enjoy parks and community spaces. However, Vienna faces political challenges that could threaten its eco-friendly policies, especially after recent elections.
Barcelona, Spain
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, an urban planner, has witnessed significant climate changes in Barcelona over 20 years. Rising temperatures have led to longer heat waves, worsening air quality. Yet, Barcelona’s efforts with superblocks—car-free areas promoting walking and cycling—have improved urban health. If implemented fully, his research suggests these initiatives could greatly benefit the city.
The urgency to adapt is clear, especially as the Mediterranean heats up. “We need to move faster,” Nieuwenhuijsen insists, emphasizing the need for more environmentally friendly policies.
London, UK
Audrey de Nazelle, a scientist at Imperial College London, appreciates the city’s abundance of parks. However, accessing them can be dangerous due to speeding vehicles and poorly designed pedestrian crossings. The rise of larger cars, especially SUVs, adds to public safety concerns.
“It shouldn’t be this way in a country like the UK,” she states. Drawing from her experiences in Barcelona and Paris, she feels London lacks a bold vision for reducing car dependence. While an ultra-low emissions zone has helped, she believes more can be done to encourage walking and cycling.
Conclusion
These experts highlight the challenges and successes of urban living in Europe. As cities strive for greener futures, understanding environmental health risks is crucial. Safe, healthy cities are possible, but they require commitment and action from both leaders and communities.
For more insights on urban planning and environmental health, visit ISGlobal’s research.
