Hackathon gathers supporters of air quality in Bulgaria
Another project we worked on was in the UK, specifically London. The Breathe London monitoring project, piloted by CAF and other philanthropic support since 2020, is now being continued by the authorities of the English capital. In 2021 they were published final drawing of the city and technical report, which summarized the progress, knowledge and elements of the project. In this way, stakeholders could use a different approach from the one taken to using budget sensors in combination with evaluation monitors.
Can you let us know what you can do to create fewer feeds?
– The most polluting air emissions are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM). In Bulgaria it is heated especially by transport and in winter. Two months ago, the Clean Air Fund presented study, an area with possible results from the introduction of low emissions in Sofia is reported. One of its key results is that old diesel cars are responsible for 56% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and 85% of PM emissions. By introducing a low-emission zone in the center of Sofia, there is an opportunity to significantly reduce these emissions and increase air quality. As it became clear from the planned event, the Sofia Municipality should introduce such a zone in 2022. This is a problem that should be worked on not only by the municipality, but also by the citizens. One of the most budget-friendly and easiest ways to leave a smaller footprint is not to choose to drive short distances. Instead, people could be more aware of their choices, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation.
The change in the environment must start with us and we want to involve people to be bolder and share their ideas for improving it.
You can learn more about the hackathon “Improving air quality in Bulgaria” here and register by February 22 if you want to share your ideas for cleaner air in the country.