Out of sight, Out of mind — but not Out of scope: the need to consider ozone (O₃) in restoration science, policy, and practice

Abstract

Restoration ecologists have local-to global-scale ambitions in a policy framework of sustainable development goals and reversing biodiversity loss. Emphasis is given to environmental alteration, typically considering land degradation and climate change. Other related environmental drivers, such as pollution, receive less attention. Here we emphasize that terrestrial restoration discourse needs to consider tropospheric ozone (O 3 ) pollution. O 3 's pervasive influence on plants and other ecosystem components provides for the possibility of consequences at community and ecosystem levels. The precursor chemicals that lead to O 3 formation are increasing, precipitously so in rapidly industrializing regions of the world. Yet, a review of critical restoration guidance and journals suggests that because O 3 is out of sight, it remains out of mind. Based on a narrative cross-discipline literature review, we examine: (1) How O 3 could affect the achievement of restoration goals and (2) How restoration interventions could feedback on tropospheric O 3 . Evidence, currently limited, suggests that O 3 could impair the achievement of restoration goals to as great an extent as other drivers, but, in general, we lack direct quantification. Restoration interventions (e.g. tree planting) that may be considered successful can actually exacerbate O 3 pollution with negative consequences for food security and human health. These wide-ranging effects, across multiple goals, mean that O 3 is not out of scope for restoration science, policy, and practice. In detailing a strategic ozone-aware restoration agenda, we suggest how restoration science and policy can quantify O 3 's influence, while outlining steps practitioners can take to adapt to/mitigate the impacts of O 3 pollution.

Analysis of the Actual Usage and Emission Reduction Potential of Electric Heavy-Duty Trucks: A Case Study of a Steel Plant

“…At present, air pollution remains one of the most severe problems in global environmental pollution [1]. The constant increase in the concentration of atmospheric pollutants, such as NO x , PM, etc., not only poses serious harm to human health [2][3][4] but also has adverse effects on biodiversity and ecosystems [5][6][7]. Furthermore, according to the research by the World Meteorological Organization and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) [8], the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is constantly rising due to human activities, exacerbating the problem of global climate change.…”