Environment Archives – Prague Morning

Environment

Prague City Introduces Its First Fully Electric Bus Line

As one of the world’s largest and greenest cities according to the HUGSI index, Prague is stepping up its responsibility to live up to its reputation. An entire fleet of electric buses is now connecting the Metro C Budějovická station with the Brumlovka bus stop in Kačerov, Prague 4. Czechia has struggled recently with meeting the WHO guidelines for air quality and pollution levels, so ushering in new efforts to go green in the country’s busiest city, can spark a difference that may go a long way in the future. Since 2016, two SOR electric buses have been in operation on this bus line, labeled under ‘BB1’ and ‘BB2,’ providing emission-free transport to one of Prague’s most active business districts. Now, a third bus has been in operation since September of this year, making the shuttle service between the two stops 100% electric. It is estimated that 4,500 passengers use the transport in Brumlovka each day. “94% of passengers are satisfied with the shuttle service, mainly due to its cleanliness, sufficient capacity, and connection intervals. Compared to the time before the introduction of electric buses, we have seen an increase in satisfaction by almost 20 percentage points,” said Martina Draper,...

by Jakob Weizman Oct 08, 2023

New Study: Prague Residents Breathe in Third Dirtiest Air in Europe

How far away is the airport? What are the hotel options? How much will a drink set you back? All things you might consider when we’re booking our next getaway. But here’s one factor that you might not think about: air pollution. Sure, for a quick trip your destination’s air quality might seem a bit irrelevant – you’re only going for a few days, right? Well, research shows that exposure to high levels of pollution, even just for short periods of time, can have a detrimental effect on our health, particularly our lungs and hearts. A new study has done some research into air pollution levels across popular cities in Europe, and the results might surprise you. Drawing on the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines, analysis was done to discover the levels of fine particulate matter: the pollutant which poses the highest risk to our health. The maximum level considered safe is a long-term average of no more than 5 μg/m3 (that’s micrograms per cubic metre). With levels almost four times the safe amount, at 19.7 μg/m3, it’s Milan that is the most polluted city in Europe. In fact, the top five cities all have a long-term average which is at least double the WHO’s recommendation. Athens ranks...

by Prague Morning Aug 25, 2023

Number of Vehicles in Prague Soars, Exceeding 1.25 Million

The number of vehicles in Prague has surged to 1.26 million, marking an annual increase of nearly 41,000, according to the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK). Throughout the city, vehicles covered a distance of 22.8 million kilometers, which was about 140,000 kilometers less than the previous year. Among the registered vehicles in Prague, passenger cars account for one million, with over 208,000 being added since 2016 alone. The most substantial growth occurred between 1990 and 2000, doubling during that time. Traffic patterns have undergone shifts in the past two years. In 2020, traffic decreased by eight percent compared to the previous year. In 2021, it rebounded to nearly match the pre-peak year of 2019, and it maintained a similar level in the subsequent year. While the downtown traffic intensity remained consistent year-on-year, some vehicles decreased within the outer cordon. Despite undergoing repairs and traffic restrictions during the summer, the Barrandov Bridge remained the busiest road last year, with approximately 139,000 vehicles crossing daily, which was around three thousand fewer compared to the previous year. The Jižní spojka section in Chodovská – V koryty followed as the second busiest, serving 129,000 vehicles, while the Jižní spojka between 5. května and Vídeňská...

by Prague Morning Aug 16, 2023

Czech Republic Planted Nearly 40,000 Hectares of Forests in 2022

In 2022, the Czech Republic planted almost 40,000 hectares of new forests, marking the second-highest count since 1964. This figure fell only 709 hectares short of the record established in 2020. Out of the total 225,928 saplings utilized for this afforestation effort, two-thirds were deciduous trees. Among the various regions, Vysočina took the lead in reforestation activities. Providing insight, Josef Kahuda, a statistician employed at the Czech Statistical Office, pointed out that the average sapling usage per hectare stood at 5,705. For deciduous trees, this number rose to 7,248, while for conifers, it was slightly lower at 4,205. Predominantly, the trees chosen for planting were beech and oak, accounting for 28% and 23% respectively. Notably, spruce saw a modest increase in its portion of all saplings, climbing from 19.7% in 2020 to 19.9%. Despite these statistics, spruce remained the most prevalent tree type, occupying nearly one-third of all newly reforested lands. Conifers emerged as the dominant presence among the freshly established wooded areas. The evolving climate poses a significant risk to forest soils. The strategy of tree planting is not the solitary means of fostering forests; natural regeneration, where new growth emerges from wind-borne or fallen seeds from parent trees,...

by Prague Morning Aug 11, 2023

Deputy Mayor for Transport Wants to Significantly Reduce Cars in Prague

The former Prague mayor and current Prague deputy mayor for transport Zdeněk Hřib (Piráti) is planning drastic changes for Prague’s car traffic. According to Hřib, citizens should prepare themselves for the fact that in Prague they will no longer be able to get to where they are going by car. “We are starting to tell people that it is perfectly normal not to stop your car right in front of the door of the building you are heading to,” Hřib says, outlining that Prague is planning to introduce charging for entering some streets. Hřib presented a reform of the parking system as part of the transport changes in the capital, which he said will lead to “traffic calming in the center” and will mean, among other things, that if a visitor arrives in the center of Prague by car, they will not park unless the locals buy “a credit for parking in the blue zone” in advance. “You can now park in blue zones for a more expensive parking fee even if you are not a resident. Going forward, this will no longer be an option, people can use underground car parks where capacity is not filled. This is part...

by Prague Morning Jul 18, 2023

European Cities are Slowing Down Their Street Traffic to 30km/h. What About Prague?

If you live in Prague, you may have found yourself stuck in traffic in recent weeks due to a series of ongoing protests campaigning for a 30 km/h speed limit in the city. The protesters say it would have numerous benefits for health, safety, and the environment, but the idea is facing opposition from motorists. The first European city to adopt the City 30 model was Graz, in Austria, which imposed a city-wide speed limit of 30 km/h in 1992. Today, the limit is still enforced on about 80% of the city’s road network. Brussels adopted the City 30 model in 2021. Paris, Grenoble, and Edinburgh also adopted the City 30 model, while other cities are considering the possibility, like Luxembourg and Milan. Despite pressure from climate activists, the Czech capital has no plans to introduce a 30 km/h limit. Districts can limit speeds to 30 km/h on a local level near schools, sports grounds, and other places with higher concentrations of pedestrians, but an across-the-board 30 km/h limit is only under discussion for now. According to a survey carried out for Czech Radio, most Czechs do not want to reduce the speed limit in big cities. Prague Mayor Bohuslav...

by Prague Morning Jul 10, 2023

Prague to Receive EU Funding to Install EV Charging Stations Across the City

Prague City is set to embark on a project to establish a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with the aim of supporting the increasing number of EVs in the city. To finance this initiative, Prague intends to utilize European funds and subsidies. To kickstart this endeavor, Prague has allocated up to 500 million CZK, with the expectation that European funds will cover up to 85% of the total investment costs. The proposed approach involves constructing the charging infrastructure under a concession agreement that allows operation in public spaces. This project aligns with Prague’s larger strategy to encourage electric mobility by offering accessible and high-quality charging facilities. The city intends to initiate the installation of the first charging stations in the upcoming year. Prague envisions a future where electric vehicles become the standard mode of transportation. By 2030, it is estimated that up to 180,000 electric vehicles could be traversing the city’s streets. To facilitate this transition, Prague is fully committed to providing the necessary charging infrastructure. The construction of EV charging stations forms part of the city’s broader drive to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions. The ultimate objective is to create a cleaner and more livable...

by Prague Morning Jul 02, 2023

New Park Will be Built on the Banks of the Vltava River in Prague 7

The U Vody park, which will be located between the Holešovice harbor and the Barikádníků bridge, will include seating, fitness machines, and an outdoor fountain, according to representatives of the city district. The construction of the park will cost the town hall approximately CZK 46.5 million and should be completed in the first half of next year. According to the mayor of Prague 7, Jan Čižinský (Praha Sobě), people associate the place more with the towing car park that used to be there in the past than with a place to spend time in a pleasant way. “We have cleaned up the whole area and replaced the unsightly concrete surfaces with grass,” he said. He added that once the improvements are completed, the residents of Holešovice will no longer have to make trips to Letná or Štvanice in search of greenery. For example, the park will have seating areas with a view of the river, paths with access to the water, and a so-called sensory walkway where people will be able to walk barefoot on different types of surfaces. “Based on suggestions from citizens, the project has focused on renewed and completely new entrances to the water and water features...

by Prague Morning Jul 02, 2023

Czechia to Push for Lower VAT on Recycled Products

The idea of a lower VAT rate on products made from recycled materials, which could be applied at the EU level, will be presented by Czech Environment Minister Petr Hladík at the meeting of EU environment ministers on Tuesday. Currently, EU law does not allow member states to reduce VAT on products made from recycled materials. However, the Czech Republic wants to introduce a reduced 12% VAT on these products as a part of a tax package aiming to consolidate public finances. The lower rate must be allowed at the EU level for such a move. According to the minister, the reduced VAT should be applied to all plastic products made from recycled materials, including toys, hygiene tools, daily necessities, snow rakes, flower pots, and even building materials. “These are also materials that today end up either in landfills or incinerators that we can recycle for use in the municipal sector, such as benches or urban furniture,” Hladík told Czech media on Monday. The minister said possibly including products made from secondary raw materials at a lower rate would encourage the development of a circular economy. At the same time, it would increase the motivation of end customers to use...

by Prague Morning Jun 21, 2023

Prague Plans to Acquire Up to 100 Electric Buses

The Prague Public Transport Authority (DPP) is set to acquire a fleet of up to 100 low-floor electric buses over the next few years. DPP has recently launched a public tender, with an estimated total value of CZK 1.5 billion, to identify the supplier for these buses. The winner of the tender is expected to be announced by the end of this year, after which the DPP will enter into a five-year framework contract. Zdeněk Hřib, Deputy Mayor of Prague Transport, emphasized the significance of this purchase. “By acquiring up to 100 new electric buses, we are not only fulfilling the Climate Plan of the Capital City of Prague, but also meeting our commitments at the national and European levels to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and noise pollution in public bus transport. If DPP would decommission an equal number of diesel buses, we would save approximately 2.4 million liters of diesel fuel per year and prevent the emission of around 6,438 tonnes of carbon dioxide in Prague.” Energy management will enable the control and adjustment of the charging speed based on the actual duration of the charging break. This will reduce the demands on the energy load of the charging...

by Prague Morning May 31, 2023

Prague Ranks as the 10th Most Sustainable City in Europe

In a recent report by Re-thinking the Future, Prague has been recognized as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe, cementing its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. This prestigious ranking underscores Prague’s dedication to creating a greener, cleaner, and more livable urban environment for its residents and visitors alike. Prague’s dedication to sustainable urban development is evident in its strategic planning and policies, which encompass various aspects of sustainability. Energy efficiency stands as a crucial focus area, with the city implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and minimize its carbon footprint. Through investments in green technologies such as solar panels and efficient heating systems, Prague has made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. In addition to energy efficiency, Prague has also prioritized effective waste management and recycling programs. The city has implemented comprehensive waste management systems that encourage citizens to separate and recycle their waste responsibly. By doing so, Prague has not only reduced the amount of waste destined for landfills but has also fostered a culture of environmental responsibility among its residents. Prague’s commitment to sustainable transportation is evident in its efforts to enhance public transportation systems and promote eco-friendly mobility options. The city boasts a...

by Prague Morning May 28, 2023

Prague to Allocate Funds for 130 Projects to Improve Environment

An impressive sum of CZK 40 million has been earmarked for initiatives focused on public green spaces, environmental education, and the preservation of endangered animal species. “The program is a crucial pillar of support for initiatives that elevate the environmental well-being of our capital city, bolster its resilience against climate change, foster awareness and engagement with pertinent issues, and provide environmental education within Prague,” said Jana Komrsková, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Climate Plan Furthermore, the program actively encourages participation from diverse groups, civic organizations, associations, and other entities. The program facilitates individual applicants in securing grants for their environmental projects in Prague. The maximum amount granted is CZK 900,000 for educational endeavors, CZK 600,000 for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, and CZK 450,000 for other initiatives. A total of 130 projects, submitted by 81 applicants, are poised to receive approval, cumulating to CZK 40 million in funding. The program aims to bolster public green spaces, green classrooms, nature conservation, and environmental education. It also encompasses educational and training programs catered to schools, climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, as well as other specific projects. Prominent beneficiaries of the program include notable associations and organizations such as the Association of...

by Prague Morning May 22, 2023

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