Briefly

UNITED NATIONS

Leaded petrol ban hailed as milestone

The total phasing out of leaded petrol in the transport sector that came into force on Monday ushered in a cleaner and greener future for the planet, the UN Environment Programme said. UNEP's executive director, Inger Andersen, said in a statement that an end to the use of highly toxic leaded petrol, after almost two decades of the vigorous campaign, was a boon to the health of communities and ecosystems.

FRANCE

Paris shrinks speed limit to protect climate

No more zipping past the Eiffel Tower or through the Latin Quarter without slowing down to soak in the sights: Starting on Monday, the speed limit in nearly all of Paris is just 30 kilometers per hour. It's the latest initiative by the city trying to burnish its climate credentials and transform people's relationship to their vehicles. City officials say it's also aimed at reducing accidents and making Paris more pedestrian-friendly.

Agencies Via Xinhua