Examining low-emission zones in urban destinations: climate change action or further touristification?

The growing process of touristification and the effects of climate change are some of the most pressing issues for cities today. This research examines the complex relationship between the implementation of low-emission zones (LEZs) as a strategy to mitigate climate change and adapt urban spaces to its widespread ramifications, and the touristification of cities. The study analyses 48 LEZs in Spanish cities, employing a combination of statistical (i.e., fsQCA) and spatial analyses. Despite presenting heterogeneous realities, the findings reveal a dual effect. On one hand, the implementation of LEZs and related pedestrianisation promote air quality improvement and reduces emissions. On the other hand, this traffic calming initiative leads to further touristification by facilitating commercial activity aimed at visitors, occupation of public space, and increased walkability of streets. However, results also indicate that the geographical display of LEZs responds to manifold factors that do not follow this logic in all cases. Three distinct categories of cities are identified according to different implementation strategies and objectives. An additional in-depth analysis of the case of Madrid, a major urban hub and tourist destination, is conducted to further illustrate this complex interplay of factors. This research, which looks at the ongoing implementation of a national law, demonstrates the close relationship between touristification and implementation of LEZs, while it paves the way for future research inquiries into the progression of air quality indices and tourism intensification processes within cities.