The Po Valley, the agricultural and industrial heart of Italy, is grappling with a persistent environmental challenge: air pollution. At the moment, air quality maps are circulating which are truly surprising, and which certify a terrible situation. A "disaster" that has distant origins: surrounded by the Alps and the Apennines, this geographical basin traps pollutants, leading to some of the highest concentrations of particulate matter and gas in Europe. What can we do? What is the role of technologies in monitoring, mitigating and (maybe) solving this problem? Spoiler: technologies are not enough.
Let's take a step back: the context of the Po Valley
The unique topography of the Po Valley creates a natural basin, which makes it particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of airborne pollutants. Factors such as industrial emissions, vehicular traffic and agricultural activities contribute to the region's air quality problems. The consequences are far-reaching and impact public health, the environment and the rich cultural heritage of large and beautiful cities such as Milan, Turin and Venice.
The monitored air shows the presence of various pollutants, including fine particles (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen oxides, ozone and volatile organic compounds. In the Po Valley, the stagnant air and the lack of ventilation exacerbate the concentration, and make the solution to the problem really difficult.
The role of technology: first of all monitoring
If today we are reaching a (dramatic but necessary) awareness of the risks to our health, it is thanks to technological progress. New technologies have literally transformed our ability to monitor and understand air quality. Satellite observations and ground-based monitoring stations provide real-time data on pollutant concentrations, allowing authorities to issue health warnings and implement traffic restrictions when necessary. Predictive models, powered by artificial intelligence, offer insights into future pollution patterns, guiding proactive measures.
And apart from monitoring and alerting? The fight against air pollution is fought by implementing a range of technological innovations. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, a major contributor to pollution. Smart urban planning can integrate green spaces and promote public transport and cycling, reducing vehicular emissions. Advances in transportation technology, including electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells, offer cleaner alternatives to traditional combustion engines. Last but not least, agricultural innovations such asprecision farming they minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides, reducing agricultural emissions.
Case studies: success stories from around the world
We can draw inspiration from global initiatives that have successfully addressed air pollution. Here on Futuro Prossimo we have cited many: from the example of Ljubljana (city center without cars) to that of Seattle (which returned part of the streets to pedestrians), passing through more purely "bloody" actions such as ferocious taxes on cars New York e Paris. My favorite example, however, is that of Copenhagen.
Copenhagen has transformed from a car-centric city in the 70s to one of the most bicycle-oriented cities in the world. The adopted strategy included urban planning integrated with the development of infrastructure dedicated to cyclists and financial measures to support sustainable mobility. Through the implementation of fixed cycle lanes, dedicated traffic lights for cyclists, colored paths shared between cars and bicycles, and ample parking for bicycles and cargo bikes, Copenhagen has significantly improved the safety and convenience of cycling. A critical success factor? The integration of cycling into urban planning and policies, ensuring sufficient resources to support these policies and promoting a culture of cycling.
These efforts have led to an impressive increase in the number of daily bicycle trips, with the goal now close to reaching 240.000 people cycling every day by 2025. If you want to delve deeper into the topic, here you will find some material. Examples like this provide valuable lessons for the Po Valley, illustrating the potential of technology and policy to create healthier environments.
Po Valley, technological vision is not enough: political vision is needed
Not portrayed, I repeat: emerging technologies are the key to reducing air pollution. However, further work is needed. We need collaborations between governments, industries and local communities. In summary, innovative policies and initiatives are needed to realize this vision. The integration of technology, politics and public participation paves the way for a future in which the Po Valley can breathe more easily. The lack of just one of these factors condemns tens of thousands of citizens to death every year. You read that right: death sentence. The Po Valley it is the place in Europe where it is registered the highest number of deaths from pollution, with consequences such as stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and ischemic heart disease.
A drama within the global drama of a Holocaust per year, 9 million deaths worldwide. Do we or not stop breathing this garbage, putting aside the minuets on the type of vehicle? Whatever the environmental impact of an electric vehicle or a bike, they will never be comparable to that of vehicles that throw deadly particles directly into our lungs.
Government and international support
The fight against air pollution, sorry if I repeat myself, requires the active participation of everyone. Even schools. Public awareness and education are key to promoting a culture of environmental responsibility. Citizen science initiatives, in which individuals contribute to air quality monitoring and data collection, empower communities and provide valuable insights for policies and decisions. A formidable example? Simple and powerful at the same time: that of “Colores del Rio”, water monitoring carried out directly by local communities, and with ecological tools created in-house. Fantastic.
Let's go back to the air. The only thing that is not missing are the laws, in this sense. If they were applied seriously, that is. There European Union Air Quality Directive, for example, sets legally binding limits on major air pollutants. Financial incentives for clean energy, green infrastructure and sustainable agriculture can accelerate the transition to a low-pollution economy. International collaboration, in essence, facilitates the sharing of knowledge, technologies and best practices, amplifying efforts to improve air quality.
A future of clean air for the Po Valley
I know it, you know it too: the promises of technology are not enough. High economic, social and behavioral barriers must be broken down. The cost of transitioning to clean technologies can be prohibitive for businesses and individuals. Social norms and behaviors, such as the preference for the use of private cars, are almost a pathology, especially in Italy. Overcoming these obstacles requires comprehensive strategies that include economic incentives, education and community involvement.
However, I think that the path towards clean air in the Po Valley is complex, but achievable. Technology offers powerful tools to monitor, understand and mitigate pollution. Coupled with sound policies, community involvement and international cooperation, it can truly give us a future of cleaner air and healthier lives.
