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

Abstract

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 reduction 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 reduction targets while, at the same time, addressing their local air quality issues.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s11869-018-0613-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of SOx, NOx and NH3 emission reductions on PM2.5 concentrations across Europe: Hints for future measure development

“…This is an important consideration as EU policies are usually driven by overall objectives (EU National Emissions Ceilings Directive, NEC, 2016 ) that translate into emission reduction strategies defined at the country level. In this context, Peduzzi et al (2018) showed that higher resolution strategies, addressing in particular the specificities of cities, are more effective.

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