Multi-level policies for air quality: implications of national and sub-national emission reductions on population exposure

Poor air quality and related health impacts are still an issue in many cities and regions worldwide. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) can support the design of measures to reduce the emissions of precursors affecting air pollution. In this study, we apply the SHERPA (Screening for High Emission Reductions Potentials for Air quality) model to compare spatial and sectoral emission reductions, given country-scale emission targets. Different approaches are tested: a) country uniform emission reductions; b) emission reductions targeting urban areas; c) emission reductions targeting preferential sectors. As a case study, we apply the approaches to the implementation of the National Emission Ceiling Directive. Results are evaluated in terms of the reduction in average population exposure to PM2.5 overall in a country and in its main cities. Results indicate that the reduction of population exposure to PM2.5 highly depends on the way emission reductions are implemented. This work also shows the usefulness of the SHERPA model to support national authorities implementing national emission reductions targets while, at the same time, addressing their local air quality issues.

PEDUZZI Emanuela;  PISONI Enrico;  CLAPPIER Alain;  THUNIS Philippe; 

2019-04-08

SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG

JRC109946

1873-9318 (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC109946,   

10.1007/s11869-018-0613-1 (online),