As a child, I had asthma and…

As a child, I had asthma and had to be critically aware of the morning smog advisory each day. I also recall only ever seeing the Toronto skyline from Oakville's lakeshore on a rare, clear day. I commend our government for decommissioning Ontario's coal power plants and I would commend action towards reducing and eventually eliminating diesel engines. This I am certain has contributed to better respiratory health and a clearer horizon. What I know about diesel emissions is that they are the second worst contributors of SOx and NOx particles next to coal. These emissions contribute to acid rain, ozone depletion and are aggressive reactive oxygen species that can cause respiratory illness and cancer in high concentrations.

Diesel power may be a necessary reality for very heavy machinery (earth movers, caterpillars, generators, etc.) but perhaps we should focus on reducing their overall emission contributions and reduce the usage of heavy trucks in residential areas and dense urban centres. Oslo for instance, has daily limits on diesel truck transport in the city and uses advanced weather forecasting to anticipate high humidex days and temporarily ban the use of diesel engines in their downtown core. This might be especially relevant in Toronto where we experience hot summers with high humidity coming off the lake. Residents will breathe cleaner air and it may help in part to address traffic congestion.