Day without Motor Car - Ecological effect in figures and facts
According to statistical data, in XXI century the transport sector is becoming the main culprit of air pollution in large cities. At the same time, the motor vehicle is the leader in the total amount of harmful impact. The exhaust gas of cars shares 95% from total amount of emission.
In Turkmenistan, days without vehicles turn into the integral part of ecological culture.
According to average calculations, one day without car in Ashgabat ensured a reduction of harmful emissions into the atmosphere by 34 tons.
So, the bike-day, organized on 29 July, and campaign, held on 17 August, reduced the negative load on the air by 68 tons of carbon.
These days, the “green” lungs of the capital have gained an excellent opportunity to have some rest. On average, 100 hectares of deciduous and coniferous plantations absorb 350-460 kg of carbon dioxide per day and evolve about the same amount of oxygen.
The burning of 1 kg of gasoline by an average autocar requires 2.5 kg of oxygen, as much as necessary for daily breathing of five people.
One car consumes 10-12 kg of oxygen per day and emits up to 220 kg of exhaust gas.
Exhausts contain over 200 chemical compounds, including toxic carcinogens, which, firstly, strike on the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems.
The drivers and passengers are particularly affected by harmful substances. Concerning pedestrians, the children is in high risk group, because of particularly heavy concentration of pollutants in the surface layers.
According to biologists, the noise impact of running engines is also dangerous for humans, and even trees and plants. It leads to the development of the syndrome of permanent fatigue and depression.
Therefore, even one day without motor transport can be considered as a huge gift for organism, a precious “respite” for the recreation.
The protection of environment and care for nature have been considered as one of the key lines of internal and foreign policy of Turkmenistan.
The National Climate Change Strategy envisages a number of steps to prevent the increase in greenhouse gas emissions resulted from considerable growth of motor vehicle quantity. Among such measures are supporting development of public transport and transport infrastructure, renovating the motor vehicle fleet, ensuring transition to other, cleaner and cost-efficient fuel types, including compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.
