Air pollution policies under the microscope
European cities and urban areas are constantly exceeding air quality limit values. Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and ozone are the three main pollutants that are harming our health, underscoring the need for tougher measures to combat air pollution. Against this backdrop, the EU-funded APPRAISAL (Air pollution policies for assessment of integrated strategies at regional and local scales) project investigated new tools and methodologies to select effective air pollution policies. Work began by reviewing integrated assessment methodologies (IAM) used by Member States in the last 10 years in order to assess the impacts of local and regional air quality plans. This included an analysis of IAM strengths and weaknesses, and the identification of key areas to be addressed by further research. The comprehensive review focused on five themes: synergies among national, regional and local approaches; air quality assessment; health impact assessment approaches; and uncertainty and robustness. Using the review findings as a basis, project partners designed an integrated assessment framework for various levels of data availability, policymaker needs and existing modelling tools. This framework enables stakeholders to potentially improve their approaches to create more efficient policies. The APPRAISAL team prepared guidelines to assess and improve current modelling practices in Member States for integrated air quality and health impact assessment. The guidelines support the implementation of the proposed integrated assessment framework. Several strategic dissemination actions were carried out targeting key actors involved in air quality management and policies at regional and local levels. The aim was to communicate newfound knowledge on air quality and health impact assessment. APPRAISAL will help policymakers to better address pollution, eventually contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment in urban areas across Europe. The project also fully responds to the EU's Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe.
Keywords
Air pollution policies, air quality, APPRAISAL, integrated assessment methodologies
