"The angry rumble of a speeding SUV. The metallic smog of backlogged traffic. The aching heat of sun-dried neighbourhoods baking in an oven of concrete and asphalt. For most people, the mundane threats that plague our environments are likely to annoy more than they spark dread. But for scientists who know just how dangerous our surroundings can be, the burden of knowledge weighs heavy each day."
"Across Europe, environmental risks cause 18% of deaths from cardiovascular disease and 10% of deaths from cancer. Traffic crashes in the EU kill five times more people than murders. Are safe and healthy cities just a distant fantasy? Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen is for sure one of the best cities to live in, says Zorana Jovanovic Andersen during her morning walk-and-metro to work at the University of Copenhagen's public health department."
Environmental risks in Europe contribute significantly to mortality, including 18% of cardiovascular deaths and 10% of cancer deaths, while traffic crashes kill far more people than homicides. Copenhagen demonstrates how deliberate investment in bike lanes, reduced car road space, excellent public transport and walkable neighbourhoods can produce high cycling rates and reduce dependence on cars. High levels of cycling keep bodies active and lower exposure to vehicle emissions. Persistent sources such as wood-burning stoves and rush-hour traffic continue to emit toxic particles and remain causes for researcher concern despite greener urban infrastructure.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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