This document discusses the linkages between air quality and climate change. It notes that climate change presents serious global risks and requires an urgent response. Several key greenhouse gases that affect climate change are also air pollutants. Changes in climate can impact air quality through changes in emissions, transport, chemistry and deposition. Climate change may increase extreme air pollution events like heat waves and stagnant winter days. The effects of some air pollutants on climate change are complex, as they can both warm and cool the climate depending on chemical interactions. Solutions to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases must consider these complex interactions.
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Air Quality and Climate Change Presentation
1. Air Quality and Climate Change
Mark Chapman
Air Quality & Acoustics Technical Coordinator
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The scientific evidence is now overwhelming: climate change
presents very serious global risks, and it demands an urgent
global response.
Stern Review, 2006
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Local Air Quality
UK Air Quality Strategy
Benzene
1,3-butadiene
Carbon monoxide
Lead
Nitrogen dioxide
Ozone
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Sulphur dioxide
Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
UK Air Quality Regulations
Benzene
1,3-butadiene
Carbon monoxide
Lead
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen oxides
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Sulphur dioxide
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Climate Change
What is understood by the term Climate Change?
1. Impact on the Planet
2. Weather
3. Impact on People
4. Uncertainty
5. Things or Events
6. Causes
7. Global Warming
8. Fear
9. Time Context
10.Other
Public Perception of Climate Change
(2006 Risk Communication Study - UWE) 56 Participants in Bristol
Top 10 Themes
Climate Change is an Environmental Issue
Climate Change is an Society Issue
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The Effects of Climate Change on Air Quality
Climate Change is not just about changes in temperature:
Humidity (Specific)
Clouds and Precipitation
Winds
Others
How might this affect Air Quality?
Emissions Temperature dependence
Transport Winds
Chemistry Temperature and humidity
Deposition Precipitation
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The Effects of Climate Change on Air Quality
Climate Change will increase the probability of local air pollution
events
Number and strength of summer highs
(The ozone episode of 2003 will be a normal occurrence)
Number and duration of calm winter days
(The Great London Smog)
Mean concentrations are likely to remain unchanged
Higher chance of extreme concentrations
Likelihood of increased associated mortality rates
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The Effects of Air Quality on Climate Change
VERY COMPLICATED VERY LOW SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING
A few examples:
Nitrogen Oxides (NO + NO2) Fossil Fuel Combustion and Natural Sources
Reacts to produce ozone WARMING
Reacts to produce nitrate aerosol COOLING
Reacts to increase methane removal COOLING
Overall NET COOLING
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Industry and Natural (Major Source)
Reacts to produce ozone WARMING
Reacts to decrease methane removal WARMING
Reacts to form organic carbon aerosol COOLING
Overall NET ??? Species Dependent : Some have better ozone production efficiency/others dont form
aerosols
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Coal-Fired Power Stations, Shipping and Natural
Reacts to produce sulphate aerosol COOLING
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Climate (or Radiative) Forcing:
Change in the average net radiation at the top of the
troposphere
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Solutions?
Energy Conservation and Efficiency Improvements
Abatement Measures - (Flue-gas desulphurisation, catalytic
converters, particle filters, NOx traps
Improve air quality, but mostly INCREASE CO2 through
decreased efficiency (getting better but very costly)
Removing aerosol precursors can warm climate even further
Removing black carbon particles cools climate
Catalytic converters can generate N2O and greater primary
NO2
Fuel Switching (e.g. Petrol to Diesel)
Less CO2, but more black carbon (GWP 680)
Bad for AQ; but NET effect on Climate ???
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Summary
What can we provide for our Clients to help bridge the Air Quality
Climate Change Gap?
Traffic Emission Optimisation Recommendation
Speed
HGV
Driving Patterns
Quantification and Relative Comparison of CO2e
Abatement Specification and Design Advice
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Further Details
Mark Chapman
Air Quality & Acoustics Technical Coordinator
Planning & Consultation (1401)
West Hall
Tel: 01932 337 590
Mobile: 07976 344 311
mark.chapman@mouchelparkman.com