SEVEN towns on the Costa del Sol are due to set up 'low-emissions zones' thanks to European Union funding.
Air pollution is directly responsible for around seven million deaths worldwide per year – about one in every 1,000 inhabitants – and transport is the biggest generator of unclean air; also, carbon dioxide emissions trap heat within the earth's atmosphere, contributing to climate change and extreme weather.
To this end, towns all over Spain with a population of 50,000 or more are now required to create low-emissions zones, and can claim cash from the EU Next Generation Fund to help them out.
Estepona (pictured) will receive just over €1.5 million to keep its air clean (photo: Wikimedia Commons)
This goes beyond merely banning cars from a town-centre area, as people and goods need to get about, so it covers public transport reinforcement, cycle lanes and electrically-powered vehicles, among other actions.
Even planting trees may fall within the scope of the funding, since they are one of the planet's best allies against air pollution – they 'drink' CO2 and pump out oxygen.
Cash awarded to major Costa del Sol holiday hotspots will be substantial, and is based upon the size of their population.
To this end, the largest amount goes to Málaga city – just over €10 million – followed by Vélez-Málaga with a little over €3.7m and Benalmádena with nearly €2.9m.
Torremolinos will be given just short of €2m, Estepona slightly over €1.5m, with the final two getting six-figure sums.
Fuengirola will receive €462,000, and the quaint, historic and traditional town of Nerja – popular with holidaymakers who want to experience 'real Spain' and the Costa del Sol vibe on the same trip – receives just over €492,000.