Environmental and Urban Livability Challenges in European Capitals
Across Europe, environmental risks contribute significantly to health problems, accounting for 18% of deaths from cardiovascular disease and 10% of deaths from cancer. Additionally, EU traffic crashes result in five times more deaths than murders.
Copenhagen stands out with 30-40% of residents commuting by bike, supported by investments in bike lanes and reducing road space for cars. The city benefits from strong public transport and walkable neighborhoods that foster a sense of freedom, though air pollution remains a concern, exacerbated by wood-burning stoves and rush-hour traffic. Proposals for congestion pricing and ultra-low-emission zones similar to London have been suggested to further improve conditions.
Vienna is consistently ranked highly for livability, boasting abundant green spaces, extensive social housing, and a €1 daily public transport ticket. Its widespread parks contribute to reducing health inequalities. However, recent political developments have introduced risks; the far-right Freedom Party's victory in national elections in September poses challenges to progressive environmental policies amid a centrist coalition government.
Barcelona has implemented superblocks and green axes since 2016 to prioritize pedestrians. Completion of all planned 503 superblocks could improve health and livability, but political momentum has decreased. City leadership has not yet taken bolder steps to remove car space, which is necessary to combat heat and air pollution in the warming Mediterranean climate.
London is known for its extensive green spaces, yet access is hindered by dangerous pedestrian crossings and speeding traffic. The increasing size of SUVs has also widened car widths by about 2 cm per year. While London's ultra-low emissions zone has been effective, it is seen as a missed opportunity to reduce car dependence. Audrey de Nazelle of Imperial College London observed that London is less visionary compared to cities like Paris or Barcelona, based on her thirteen years living there after moving from Barcelona.
