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Pollution levels in Bolivia plummet on nationwide car-free day
Key Excerpts from Article on Website of The Guardian (One of the UK's leading newspapers)
Posted: September 11th, 2017
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/sep/03/bolivia-car-f...
Air pollution levels have plunged in cities across Bolivia as the country marked a nationwide car-free day in which all non-emergency vehicles were banned from city streets. As Bolivias middle-class population has increased over the past 10 years so has the number of cars clogging city streets. The car-free event started 18 years ago in Cochabamba, one of Latin Americas five most polluted cities, and has gradually taken root across the country. By 2011, it had become so popular that Bolivias legislature declared a yearly Day of the Pedestrian and Cyclist in Defence of Mother Earth. Families love it. Jesus Romero, who lives on the northern edge of Cochabamba, said: We really enjoy that it is so quiet and peaceful without any cars around, and thats theres space in the streets for the kids to play. Deyanira Lpez, 14, highlighted another benefit. Our city is very beautiful but you just dont see it because of all the cars, she said. Andres Clares, 16, agreed, saying: I really like walking at least one day without cars. Its quieter and the air is so much fresher. In a typically noisy city, the sudden silence is striking. This year the events catchphrase is leave your green footprint in Cochabamba. Six eco-stations are focused on different themes in coordination with local businesses and charities. These educate about the air, animals, water, recycling, protected areas and trees, said Gaviota Borda, head of the municipal department of environmental protection.
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