The creation of "green walls" in urban areas could cut pollution by up to 30%, scientists have suggested.
UK researchers say more trees and other vegetation at street level would clean air in areas that are normally exposed to higher pollution levels.
Plants in towns and cities have been shown to remove nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM), both of which are harmful to human health.
"Up until now, every initiative around reducing pollution has taken a top-down approach, such as scrapping old cars, adding catalytic converters, bringing in the congestion charge - some of which have not had the desired effect," said co-author Professor Rob MacKenzie of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences.