Environment and Health in Italian Cities. The Case of Taranto

Like “heterotrophic organisms,” cities live on the basis of a strong imbalance between the relevant inflows of matter and energy and outflows of waste and emissions, which can extend over large areas. The data of the ecological footprint of cities have quantified emblematically this imbalance. The rapid growth of urbanization, especially in developing countries, is a matter of serious concern. Unsustainable by definition, cities generate environmental impacts of all kinds, with intensities that vary according to the characteristics of the areas in which they develop. Italian cities are a significant case study, for the high density of population and economic activity, the shortage of green areas, the internal mobility largely centered on the private car, as well as for the frequent breaches of the rules and laws oriented to protect the environment. Air pollution is one of the major environmental problems, especially in some cities of the country where industrial activities with high environmental impact are located. After a critical review of the literature focused on the relationship between environmental depletion, air pollution, and health conditions in Italian cities, this chapter explores the case of Taranto, a city of Southern Italy with serious problems of pollution and public health due to the presence of a large industrial area.