Clean Air and Transportation
Air Quality and Transportation
With more than 18 million passenger vehicles on Canadian roads [1], the burning of fossil fuels in motor vehicles is among the most significant contributors to air pollution. Pollutants that contribute to poor air quality include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur oxides (SOx) [2].
More people, more vehicles, more smog
Smog is a hot topic for very alarming reasons. In sunlight, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fossil fuels react to form ground-level ozone, the main component of smog. These pollutants can cause respiratory irritation, which impacts those living with respiratory diseases.
Smog, however, affects both human lives and the physical environment. Particulate matter from smog limits their exposure to the sun and ability to take in carbon dioxide causing a smothering effect. Further, the haze produced by smog can lower visibility from 144 km to approximately 30 km, making it difficult for migratory birds and hunting [5].
Addressing big city transportation through sustainable policy will tackle both human and environmental health challenges.
What’s being done
The Government of Canada is implementing various measures to reduce emissions from vehicles.
For instance, developing a proposed Clean Fuel Standard to promote clean technology and lower carbon fuel use across the country for transportation, homes, buildings and industry. A Clean Fuel Standard will result will a decrease of approximately 13% (below 2016 levels) in the carbon intensity of our liquid fuels used in Canada by 2030 [3].
Other government action includes working with different levels of government to measure air quality at hundreds of locations across Canada, tracking the merging science on linkages between air pollution and COVID-19, issuing forecasts of Air Quality Health Index twice a day and current air quality conditions being updated hourly, and promoting improved land-use planning and practices [4].
Where we can help
Civil society and NGOs specifically have the power to influence the reduction of pollution by advocating the government (federal, provincial, municipal), to industries and the general public.
Increasing air quality can begin within our networks. Ensure that we advocate and practice clean energy within our personal and works sites through the use of public transport (buses and trains) as well as walking and cycling where possible. Purchasing supplies locally to lower transportation through mailing. Reducing work-related travel where possible.
NGOs can use their platforms to advocate on these important issues that affect our health and planet alike. Participate in campaigns, public events and political rallies that aim to increase air quality for communities across Canada.
Initiatives by Organizations to Reduce Impact on Air Quality
Ecology Action Centre
In Nova Scotia, Ecology Action has started initiatives to support sustainable transportation. They have analyzed barriers that prevent individuals from utilizing sustainable methods for transportation and have found solutions for these barriers.
Please click on the link below to learn more about their initiatives.
Green Action Centre
In Manitoba, Green Action Centre provides answers to finding sustainable solutions for transportation to school or work. They currently provide active and sustainable transportation for young children heading off to school. Green Action Centre also works alongside employers and businesses to find solutions for employees to find sustainable ways to commute to work.
Please click on the link below to learn more about their initiatives.
Green Up
In Ontario, GreenUP has established its initiatives for the residents of Peterborough. The purpose of their initiatives is to educate and encourage residents in Peterborough to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase their physical activity, and improve their quality of life.
Please click on the link below to learn more about their initiatives.
Green Communities Canada
Across Canada, Green Communities Canada leads initiatives that support active school travel, school travel planning, and school bus electrification. This work takes place in collaboration with diverse partners to support transformative action at the local, provincial, and federal levels. The purpose of these programs is to get more children walking and wheeling to school, which reduces emissions, improves air quality, and increases community well-being.
Please click on the link below to learn more about their initiatives.