Paris converted automotive routes for bike lanes, created green spaces, and eliminated 50,000 parking spaces.
Paris has seen a dramatic reduction in air pollution since the city banned cars. Maps showing the results have gone viral on social media. One image shows pollution levels in the French capital in 2007 — a time when the heatmap showed heavy pollution in solid red. But by 2024, the same city has become greener and healthier.
Paris, unlike other global metropolitan cities, has converted its automobile lanes into bike lanes, increased greenery, and eliminated nearly 50,000 parking spaces, according to a report by The Washington Post. All of these measures are based on the concept of a ‘15-minute city’ — the idea that people can reach everything they need, from work to education to shopping, within a few minutes’ walk or bike ride from their homes.
The results have been impressive. Maps showing average nitrogen dioxide levels in the city are a testament to how effective these changes have been. According to Airparif, the independent agency that monitors air quality in the French capital region, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have fallen by around 55 percent since 2005, while nitrogen dioxide levels have also fallen by 50 percent.
Airparif attributes these improvements to measures such as traffic control and the banning of polluting vehicles, as well as various regulations and public policies implemented by the government.
“If current policies continue, it is expected that the country will be able to meet future air quality standards by 2030,” the agency said.