Air pollution - Reduction measures

Title

Urban ecosystem services: tree diversity and stability of tropospheric ozone removal

Reference

Ecological Applications 22 (1), 349-360.

Author(s)

Manes, F., Incerti, G., Salvatori, E., Vitale, M., Ricotta, C., Costanza, R.,

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Urban forests provide important ecosystem services, such as urban air quality improvement by removing pollutants. While robust evidence exists that plant physiology, abundance, and distribution within cities are basic parameters affecting the magnitude and efficiency of air pollution removal, little is known about effects of plant diversity on the stability of this ecosystem service. Here, by means of a spatial analysis integrating system dynamic modeling and very different for climatic conditions and ozone levels. Different tree functional groups showed complementary uptake patterns, related to tree physiology and phenology, maintaining a stable community function across different climatic conditions. Our results, although depending on the city-specific conditions of the studied area, suggest a higher function stability at increasing diversity levels in urban ecosystems. In Rome, such ecosystem services, based on published unitary costs of externalities and of mortality associated with O3, can be prudently valued to roughly US$2 and $3 million/year, respectively.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Biodiversity >> Ecosystem services
Forests >> Forest governance and management
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

air quality, ecophysiology, ecosystem function, GIS, Rome, Italy, sanitary benefits, tropospheric ozone, urban forest

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/11-0561.1
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

fausto.manes@uniroma1.it

Title

Simultaneously Mitigating Near-Term Climate Change and Improving Human Health and Food Security

Reference

Science 13 January 2012:
Vol. 335 no. 6065 pp. 183-189
DOI: 10.1126/science.1210026

Author(s)

Drew Shindell , Johan C. I. Kuylenstierna, Elisabetta Vignati, et al

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Tropospheric ozone and black carbon (BC) contribute to both degraded air quality and global warming. We considered ~400 emission control measures to reduce these pollutants by using current technology and experience. We identified 14 measures targeting methane and BC emissions that reduce projected global mean warming ~0.5°C by 2050. This strategy avoids 0.7 to 4.7 million annual premature deaths from outdoor air pollution and increases annual crop yields by 30 to 135 million metric tons due to ozone reductions in 2030 and beyond. Benefits of methane emissions reductions are valued at $700 to $5000 per metric ton, which is well above typical marginal abatement costs (less than $250). The selected controls target different sources and influence climate on shorter time scales than those of carbon dioxide–reduction measures. Implementing both substantially reduces the risks of crossing the 2°C threshold.

Policy theme(s)

Agriculture >> Agricultural management >> Food security
Air pollution >> Impact of emissions >> Health impacts
Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Climate change and energy >> Greenhouse gas emissions >> Air pollution and climate change

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/335/6065/183.abstract?sid=f40702ab-13ca-4dc4-8b1a-c1b0414daebe

There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

drew.t.shindell@nasa.gov

Title

Cost-effective control of air quality and greenhouse gases in Europe: Modeling and policy applications

Reference

Environmental Modelling and Software
Volume 26, Issue 12, December 2011, Pages 1489–1501
EU Funded

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal   

Abstract

Environmental policies in Europe have successfully eliminated the most visible and immediate harmful effects of air pollution in the last decades. However, there is ample and robust scientific evidence that even at present rates Europe's emissions to the atmosphere pose a significant threat to human health, ecosystems and the global climate, though in a less visible and immediate way. As many of the 'low hanging fruits' have been harvested by now, further action will place higher demands on economic resources, especially at a time when resources are strained by an economic crisis. In addition, interactions and interdependencies of the various measures could even lead to counter-productive outcomes of strategies if they are ignored.
Integrated assessment models, such as the GAINS (Greenhouse gas – Air pollution Interactions and Synergies) model, have been developed to identify portfolios of measures that improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least cost. Such models bring together scientific knowledge and quality-controlled data on future socio-economic driving forces of emissions, on the technical and economic features of the available emission control options, on the chemical transformation and dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere, and the resulting impacts on human health and the environment. The GAINS model and its predecessor have been used to inform the key negotiations on air pollution control agreements in Europe during the last two decades.

This paper describes the methodological approach of the GAINS model and its components. It presents a recent policy analysis that explores the likely future development of emissions and air quality in Europe in the absence of further policy measures, and assesses the potential and costs for further environmental improvements. To inform the forthcoming negotiations on the revision of the Gothenburg Protocol of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, the paper discusses the implications of alternative formulations of environmental policy targets on a cost-effective allocation of further mitigation measures.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Climate change and energy >> Greenhouse gas emissions >> Air pollution and climate change

Keywords

Air pollution; Integrated assessment; Cost-effectiveness; GAINS model;
Convention on Long-range transboundary air pollution; Science–policy interface;
Decision support

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364815211001733
There is a fee to view this study in full    

This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

amann@iiasa.ac.at

Title

Benefits of shift from car to active transport

Reference

Transport Policy
Volume 19, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 121-131

Author(s)

Ari Rabl, Audrey de Nazelle

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

There is a growing awareness that significant benefits for our health and environment could be achieved by reducing our use of cars and shifting instead to active transport, i.e. walking and bicycling. The present article presents an estimate of the health impacts due to a shift from car to bicycling or walking, by evaluating four effects: the change in exposure to ambient air pollution for the individuals who change their transportation mode, their health benefit, the health benefit for the general population due to reduced pollution and the risk of accidents. We consider only mortality in detail, but at the end of the paper we also cite costs for other impacts, especially noise and congestion. For the dispersion of air pollution from cars we use results of the Transport phase of the ExternE project series and derive general results that can be applied in different regions. We calculate the health benefits of bicycling and walking based on the most recent review by the World Health Organization. For a driver who switches to bicycling for a commute of 5 km (one way) 5 days/week 46 weeks/yr the health benefit from the physical activity is worth about 1300 €/yr, and in a large city (>500,000) the value of the associated reduction of air pollution is on the order of 30 €/yr. For the individual who makes the switch, the change in air pollution exposure and dose implies a loss of about 20 €/yr under our standard scenario but that is highly variable with details of the trajectories and could even have the opposite sign. The results for walking are similar. The increased accident risk for bicyclists is extremely dependent on the local context; data for Paris and Amsterdam imply that the loss due to fatal accidents is at least an order of magnitude smaller than the health benefit of the physical activity. An analysis of the uncertainties shows that the general conclusion about the order of magnitude of these effects is robust. The results can be used for cost-benefit analysis of programs or projects to increase active transport, provided one can estimate the number of individuals who make a mode shift.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Air pollution
Sustainable mobility >> Transport behaviour             
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Bicycling; Walking; Life expectancy; Mortality; Air pollution; Accidents

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X11001119

There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

ari.rabl@gmail.com

Title

Benefits and costs of street trees in Lisbon, Portugal

Reference

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
Volume 10, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 69-78

Author(s)

A.L. Soares, F.C. Rego, E.G. McPherson, J.R. Simpson, P.J. Peper and Q. Xiao

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

It is well known that urban trees produce various types of benefits and costs. The computer tool i-Tree STRATUM helps quantify tree structure and function, as well as the value of some of these tree services in different municipalities. This study describes one of the first applications of STRATUM outside the U.S. Lisbon's street trees are dominated by Celtis australis L., Tilia spp., and Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don, which together account for 40% of the 41,247 trees. These trees provide services valued at $8.4 million annually, while $1.9 million is spent in their maintenance. For every $1 invested in tree management, residents receive $4.48 in benefits. The value of energy savings ($6.20/tree), CO₂ reduction ($0.33/tree) and air pollutant deposition ($5.40/tree) were comparable to several other U.S. cities. The large values associated with stormwater runoff reduction ($47.80/tree) and increased real estate value ($144.70/tree) were substantially greater than values obtained in U.S. cities. Unique aspects of Lisbon's urban morphology and improvement programs are partially responsible for these differences.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Forests >> Forest governance and management
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Urban trees, Tree benefits, Real estate value, Urban forest evaluation

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866710000841
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

alsoares@isa.utl.pt

Title

How to select the best tree planting locations to enhance air pollution removal in the MillionTrees NYC initiative

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 159, Issue 5, May 2011, Pages 1040-1047
Adaptation of Forest Ecosystems to Air Pollution and Climate Change

Author(s)

Arianna Morani, David J. Nowak, Satoshi Hirabayashi and Carlo Calfapietra

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Highest priority zones for tree planting within New York City were selected by using a planting priority index developed combining three main indicators: pollution concentration, population density and low canopy cover. This new tree population was projected through time to estimate potential air quality and carbon benefits. Those trees will likely remove more than 10 000 tons of air pollutants and a maximum of 1500 tons of carbon over the next 100 years given a 4% annual mortality rate. Cumulative carbon storage will be reduced through time as carbon loss through tree mortality outweighs carbon accumulation through tree growth. Model projections are strongly affected by mortality rate whose uncertainties limit estimations accuracy. Increasing mortality rate from 4 to 8% per year produce a significant decrease in the total pollution removal over a 100 year period from 11 000 tons to 3000 tons.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Forests >> Forest governance and management
Urban environment >> Urban planning >>Healthy cities

Keywords

Urban forestry, UFORE, Planting priority index, Air pollution, Carbon

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749110005336
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

carlo.calfapietra@ibaf.cnr.it

Title

How to select the best tree planting locations to enhance air pollution removal in the MillionTrees NYC initiative

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 159, Issue 5, May 2011, Pages 1040-1047
Adaptation of Forest Ecosystems to Air Pollution and Climate Change

Author(s)

Arianna Morani, David J. Nowak, Satoshi Hirabayashi and Carlo Calfapietra

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Highest priority zones for tree planting within New York City were selected by using a planting priority index developed combining three main indicators: pollution concentration, population density and low canopy cover. This new tree population was projected through time to estimate potential air quality and carbon benefits. Those trees will likely remove more than 10 000 tons of air pollutants and a maximum of 1500 tons of carbon over the next 100 years given a 4% annual mortality rate. Cumulative carbon storage will be reduced through time as carbon loss through tree mortality outweighs carbon accumulation through tree growth. Model projections are strongly affected by mortality rate whose uncertainties limit estimations accuracy. Increasing mortality rate from 4 to 8% per year produce a significant decrease in the total pollution removal over a 100 year period from 11 000 tons to 3000 tons.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures
Forests >> Forest governance and management
Urban environment; Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Urban forestry, UFORE, Planting priority index, Air pollution, Carbon

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749110005336
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

carlo.calfapietra@ibaf.cnr.it

Title

Urban forests and pollution mitigation: Analyzing ecosystem services and disservices

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 159, Issues 8-9, August-September 2011, Pages 2078-2087

Author(s)

Francisco J. Escobedo, Timm Kroege and John E. Wagner

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to integrate the concepts of ecosystem services and disservices when assessing the efficacy of using urban forests for mitigating pollution. A brief review of the literature identifies some pollution mitigation ecosystem services provided by urban forests. Existing ecosystem services definitions and typologies from the economics and ecological literature are adapted and applied to urban forest management and the concepts of ecosystem disservices from natural and semi-natural systems are discussed. Examples of the urban forest ecosystem services of air quality and carbon dioxide sequestration are used to illustrate issues associated with assessing their efficacy in mitigating urban pollution. Development of urban forest management alternatives that mitigate pollution should consider scale, contexts, heterogeneity, management intensities and other social and economic co-benefits, tradeoffs, and costs affecting stakeholders and urban sustainability goals.
Environmental managers should analyze ecosystem services and disservices when developing urban forest management alternatives for mitigating urban pollution.

Policy theme(s)

Urban environment >> Urban biodiversity
Biodiversity >> Ecosystem services >> Ecosystem services
Air pollution >> Managing emissions >> Reduction measures

Keywords

Scale, Context, Management intensity, Heterogeneity, Economic value

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749111000327
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

fescobed@ufl.edu