Pollution in the capital city

One of the major problems that we face in my capital city, Beirut (Lebanon), is the issue of traffic jam and the emanating pollution as a result. Matters are expected to grow even worse in the near future, especially as a result of excessive urbanization and construction, not to mention the two million tourists that are expected to arrive this summer, where the majority of them would pour into the already congested city. An early and coordinated efforts should be carried out, with the participation of the public and private sectors. Information should be gathered in regard to the exact number of the population in the city, whether original citizens or daily visitors, in addition to the number of the ever-increasing tourists. Based on the given data, certain measures should be taken, in terms of either making traffic laws more efficient, limiting the number of cars circulating in the city, constructing wider streets, establishing alternative transportation systems (public buses, subways...), applying severe laws in regard to unsustainable construction efforts, and most important of all, urging the citizens, with the power of law, to respect the environment, especially when using their vehicles. These issues and others should be raised and debated now, and appropriate measures have to be taken, as it is already too late now!