How cutting traffic by a quarter could save 200 lives in Barcelona

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new study from ISGlobal finds that reducing Barcelona's traffic by 25% could prevent around 200 premature deaths per year caused by nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution
• The city has the highest car density in the EU, with nearly 6,000 vehicles per square kilometre
• Electrifying the port alongside traffic cuts could push this figure to 228 preventable deaths

🔭 The context: The study, in collaboration with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, modelled three traffic-reduction scenarios using 2019 as a baseline
• Barcelona’s air quality has improved in recent years due to low-emission zones, superblocks, and public transport investments
• However, even with the proposed reductions, EU 2030 air quality limits would still not be met

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Reducing traffic not only improves air quality and public health but also cuts greenhouse gas emissions
• Electrifying maritime operations further reduces port-related pollution
• These efforts align with broader climate goals and support the shift to more sustainable urban living

⏭️ What's next: Barcelona’s Urban Mobility Plan continues, with port electrification set for completion by 2030
• Experts warn that stronger and faster measures are needed to meet future EU air quality targets
• Cities across Europe may use Barcelona's example to shape their own pollution-cutting policies

💬 One quote: “This study focuses on Barcelona, but it also sets an example for other cities to understand the impact that targeted policies can have on reducing air pollution,” – Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, ISGlobal

📈 One stat: A 25% traffic reduction in Barcelona would cut NO₂ levels by 17.6%, preventing 199 deaths annually

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