This project explores ways of designing Low Emission Zones (ZFE) that reconcile health effectiveness and social justice, by applying to them the general average rule from maritime law.
Partner: ADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition) – 2024 → 2025
Team: Kevin Levillain, Charlotte Demonsant, Armand Hatchuel, Blanche Segrestin
About the project
Urban air pollution is a growing cause of respiratory disease and cardiovascular risk. Low Emission Zones, which restrict the circulation of the most polluting vehicles, place the burden on part of the population and give rise to strong opposition.
The research shows the value of applying the general average rule. It proposes a very different distribution of the overall cost, which restores fairness without reducing the effectiveness of the measure. It spreads the effort across a much larger population, which reduces its intensity, and creates the conditions for a cooperative search for less costly but equally effective solutions.