Making cities more attractive to live in
Bern, 30.05.2005 - The theme of this year’s World Environment Day (5 June 2005) is “Green Cities”. Echoing this concern, SAEFL Director Philippe Roch has called for efforts to improve air quality, reduce noise and provide ample green spaces in Switzerland’s towns and cities.
Under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a week-long series of events is to be held in San Francisco from 1 to 5 June, which will include contributions from Swiss cities and companies. Various activities are also planned for Switzerland (e.g. Zurich). To enhance the attractiveness of the country’s urban and suburban centres – where 75% of the population is concentrated – SAEFL Director Philippe Roch has called, on the occasion of World Environment Day, for action in the following areas.
Cleaner urban air – reduction in fine particulates
- The health risks posed by fine particulates and especially carcinogenic diesel soot in urban areas need to be taken seriously. Particulate emissions should be halved, and dramatic reductions are required in the amount of soot released by diesel engines. The guiding principle: no diesel-powered vehicles without a particulate filter.
- In the case of construction machinery, the Federal Council has confirmed that it supports the legal requirement for particulate filters to be fitted from a specified engine rating and size of construction site. Measures remain to be taken in the road traffic (trucks, cars, vans, buses) and agricultural sectors.
- There is a need for more quiet zones in urban areas. To alleviate noise problems in residential neighbourhoods, 30 km/hour speed limits should be introduced as widely as possible. Investments in noise abatement measures pay off, e.g. as a result of reductions in healthcare costs or the appreciation of property values.
- Everyone can help to reduce noise levels – by travelling on foot or by bicycle for short distances and (as motorists) by avoiding unnecessary acceleration, purchasing low-noise vehicles, not slamming car doors late at night, etc.
Greener urban environment
- To preserve the quality of life in towns and cities, areas are required where people can experience nature, with scope for observation and experiment. Here, an important contribution can be made by parks managed along more natural lines, with as few prohibitions as possible.
- However, natural areas in and around cities also need to be protected, e.g. in alluvial zones. Here, visitors are welcome to enjoy nature respectfully, without disturbing it. For nature parks near urban centres, this principle is to be adopted in the partial revision of the Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act (NHG). These parks will comprise a strictly protected core zone and peripheral zone accessible to the public.
Publisher
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en
