Data from NASA shows that air pollution dropped significantly during pandemic triggered lockdowns. The NASA scientists found that the biggest drops in NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) had about 10 times more highways and interstates nearby than areas with the smallest drops. NO2 is harmful to health and is associated with development of respiratory illnesses like asthma. Pollution levels dropped all over the world during lockdowns, and the drop was linked to human-related emissions from industry and transportation.
There is a global climate emergency and air pollution remains a huge problem in cities around the world. It’s clear that our road to recovery from the pandemic cannot be clogged with cars. This year we are encouraging everyone to reimagine your town car free and join us during Car Free Week and replace a car trip with a car free/car lite trip. Together we can celebrate the many benefits of reduced traffic and reinforce the positive changes that many have already made. Here is what qualifies:
- Take public transit or take public transit for part of your trip. NJ Transit offers a few flexible options, you can check it here. If you are new to the public transit system, check out our handy Mobility Guided for detailed information on how to use transit.
- Ride your bike or walk for your commute or part of your commute. If you need help finding a route, where to walk/bike, and how long it will take, we have a few resources. For biking resources, you can check out our biking page. For help finding a route, try the DVRPC text message service RUTI https://rutiapp.bike/
- Share a ride. Bring your mask and sanitizer and practice social distancing
- Work from home. Many of us are still working from home at least a couple days per week.
Whatever mode you choose, remember to take the pledge at p1.pagewiz.net/CarFree2021 and share your car free trip with us on social media with the hashtag #MyCarFreeTrip .
Sources:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/esnt/2021/qa-scientists-analyze-how-the-pandemic-affected-air-quality
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/16/health/world-air-quality-report-intl-hnk-scn/index.html