SICK CITIES, SICK CITIZENS

SICK CITIES, SICK CITIZENS

Transportation as the leading cause of pollution in cities. Number one world killer among young people. More than 1,240,000 fatalities in traffic accidents, what are we waiting for?

Throughout history, transport has evolved up to the present day, however, are we living in an involution? After the 50s, when pedestrians were still the masters of the streets and the road had not only a social function but also a practical one, we went too far. It seems to me, it lost its function of linking cities, towns or regions and became highways that divided territories and social classes.

Consequently, yes, absolutely yes. The question should not be whether we need to regulate cars as private transport, but how can we not?

On my understanding, there are two irrefutable factors to look after; health and environment. Not to mention social cohesion and aesthetic function that our streets fulfil, or it should.

In my view, more people die in cities from direct or indirect causes related to the saturation of harmful substances presents in the air we breathe. To top it off, we are not only making ourselves sick, but also the planet. How long are we going to keep complaining about climate change without doing our bit?

On the whole, I am totally convinced that some changes may be uncomfortable or out of our mental framework, but now is the time to step ahead our health and planet, to, and this is the key to success for me, make cities into liveable ones.