Policies aimed at improving air quality in urban areas

The objective of reaching a good standard of air quality in urban areas is a complex problem and one which is difficult to solve. Respecting the limits laid down by the law and enacting measures to cope with emergencies do not appear to be sufficient to guarantee clean air and to prevent damage to people’s health and to the environment. Drastic changes are needed in the way we produce and use goods and services. This is possible by intervening to limit the sources of pollution and by integrating environmental policies, economic incentives and technological innovation. In this study we consider the possible contributions to improving air quality in urban areas made by environmental policies and alternative technology in transport. In particular, we will deal with the contributions connected with use of biomasses and alternative energy source.