Early results from ICAROS NET project reveal progress in fight against urban air pollution
The results of a Commission funded project to monitor urban air pollution indicate that satellite monitoring of airborne particles has significant advantages over traditional techniques, and that environmental policies aimed at reducing pollution are having an effect. Results from the ICAROS NET project, led by the Commission and involving ten partners from Greece, Germany, Hungary and Italy, were presented at an event in Budapest on 27 June. Early conclusions from a pilot project in Athens show that satellite monitoring of particulate pollution is as reliable as land based alternatives, but provides better overall environmental information. Commissioner for Research, Philippe Busquin, said: 'Fine airborne particles represent one of the biggest threats to human health from air pollution. If we are to improve environmental and health policy making in the EU, we need precise and accurate air pollution data. Monitoring air pollution is a good illustration of what space technology can do for citizens, and provides an additional argument to boost EU investments in space.' Initial analysis of one of the first ICARUS NET pilot projects in Athens reveals an accuracy level of over 90 per cent. Furthermore, the system was able to clearly identify the main sources of particulate pollution in the area, such as heavy industry, road traffic and diesel fuelled residential heating. This data, together with historical information dating back to 1987, was analysed against information on the range of environmental policy measures taken in the area since 1990. Researchers concluded that the measures had had a significant effect in decoupling economic growth from environmental health degradation. Another area in which ICAROS NET data can be combined with other information to great effect is human health. By incorporating data on expected health effects of pollution, based on epidemiological studies, ICAROS NET allows the quantitative evaluation and mapping of the anticipated health risk from ultra fine particles at a particular time. For those gathered in Budapest to see the presentation, the next task is to discuss how to apply this new air pollution monitoring and assessment system in the EU and beyond. Given the need for a coordinated international approach to environmental pollution issues, there are calls for the ICAROS NET system to be used by all Member States and applicant countries. Over the next 18 months, the ICAROS NET team will continue to analyse data from the Athens pilot project, and will extend the pilot initiative to Munich.
Countries
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy