Sifte Radio

Tag: urban planning

  • Ontario’s New Planning Policy: Cities Must Set Minimum Housing Targets

    Ontario’s New Planning Policy: Cities Must Set Minimum Housing Targets

    Overview:

    Event: Ontario introduces new planning policy mandating cities to set minimum housing targets to address the housing crisis.

    Story: Ontario’s government has implemented a new planning policy that requires municipalities to establish minimum housing targets. This move aims to combat the ongoing housing crisis by ensuring a sufficient supply of new homes to meet the growing demand.

    Key Points:

    Policy Mandate: Under the new policy, cities and towns across Ontario must identify and achieve specific housing targets. These targets are designed to increase housing supply, particularly in areas facing significant population growth.

    Housing Crisis Response: The policy is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to tackle the housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing options. By setting minimum targets, the government seeks to encourage the development of diverse housing types, including affordable housing units.

    Municipal Responsibilities: Municipalities are now tasked with incorporating these targets into their official plans. This means that local governments must plan for and approve sufficient housing developments to meet the set targets, with the potential for penalties if they fail to comply.

    Impact on Development: The policy is expected to expedite housing development processes, as municipalities will need to streamline approval procedures to meet the targets. This could lead to faster construction of new homes, particularly in high-demand areas.

    Balancing Growth and Sustainability: While the policy aims to address housing shortages, it also emphasizes the need for sustainable growth. Municipalities are encouraged to balance development with environmental protection and infrastructure capacity.

    Challenges: Critics argue that the policy may place undue pressure on municipalities, particularly smaller towns with limited resources. There are also concerns about the potential impact on green spaces and local communities if development is rushed.

    SOURCE: THE GLOBE AND MAIL

  • Health Consequences of Air Pollution on Populations (WHO)

    photograph of three plain releasing colorful smokes
    What Are the Public Health Impacts of Air Pollution?

    Exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to a variety of health issues. The short- and long-term health consequences of air pollution exposure, particularly from fine particles that penetrate deep into lung passageways, must be carefully assessed. These fine particles pose a significant threat to public health, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions are particularly at risk. Poor air quality also heightens the likelihood of stillbirth, miscarriage, and neurological conditions like cognitive impairment and dementia.

    In 2019, air pollution was responsible for around 6.7 million deaths worldwide. Nearly 85% of these deaths were due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes. This makes air pollution the second leading cause of NCDs globally, following tobacco.

    What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves?

    Addressing air pollution requires collective action and responsibility. We must all take swift and proactive measures to reduce air pollution, involving coordinated efforts across all sectors, including national, state, and local governments, cities, communities, and individuals.

    • National Governments: Reduce emissions and establish national standards that meet WHO air quality guidelines. Invest in research and education about clean air and pollution. Utilize tools to evaluate policies and monitor progress on air quality initiatives.
    • Cities and Local Communities: Incorporate health considerations into all policies and ensure there is sufficient data and tools to assess health outcomes.
    • Individuals: Advocate for your right to a healthy and sustainable environment. Hold your government accountable.
    • Everyone: Reevaluate lifestyle choices and make sustainable decisions for ourselves, our children, and future generations.

    What Is Particulate Matter?

    Particulate matter (PM) refers to tiny particles in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Diesel vehicles and coal-fired power plants typically emit high concentrations of particulate matter. Particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) pose serious health risks because they can be inhaled and accumulate in the respiratory system. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), also known as “fine” particles, pose the greatest health risks due to their ability to lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

    What Are the Sources of Air Pollution?

    Major sources of air pollution include inefficient modes of transport (using polluting fuels and vehicles), the combustion of household fuels for cooking, lighting, and heating, coal-fired power plants, agriculture, and waste burning. Some air pollutants are also greenhouse gases, which further exacerbate the health impacts of air pollution.

    What Can Countries Do to Reduce Air Pollution?

    To mitigate the health consequences of air pollution, countries can:

    • Develop sustainable transport systems in cities
    • Implement effective solid waste management practices
    • Provide access to clean household fuels and cookstoves
    • Develop markets for renewable energy and energy efficiency
    • Reduce industrial emissions

    How Does WHO Work with Countries to Reduce Air Pollution?

    WHO identifies and monitors air pollutants with the greatest health impacts, helping countries focus on the most effective ways to reduce health risks. By reviewing and analyzing scientific evidence and expert advice, WHO identifies effective measures to combat air pollution.

    In 2015, WHO Member States adopted a resolution to address the adverse health effects of air pollution. They agreed on a roadmap for an enhanced global response to these effects. WHO’s work is based on four pillars:

    1. Expanding the knowledge base
    2. Monitoring and reporting
    3. Global leadership and coordination
    4. Institutional capacity strengthening

    WHO’s Strategy on Air Quality and Health

    WHO’s strategy outlines concrete actions where the health sector can lead or support efforts to promote health in all policies and ensure access to quality health services. The three cross-cutting areas are:

    1. Knowledge, evidence, and measuring progress
    2. Institutional capacity building and technical support
    3. Leadership and coordination

    The “WHO Strategic Approach for Air Quality, Energy Access, and Health” framework (2023-2030) aims to enhance WHO’s efforts in protecting populations from the health consequences of air pollution and lack of energy access.

    Note to Editors:
    This press release was updated on 25 June 2024 to reflect revised data and links.

    SOURCE: who.int