Question 1

What does this module do ?

Accepted Answer

The module 1 presents the Global and Regional Air Quality Atlases. It allows users to easily understand the air quality and its change over time in different areas in their country or region. This will help policymakers and local authorities to take informed decisions to improve air quality, provide NGOs with necessary information to act, and grant researchers and students easy access to global and regional air quality data.
It includes global and regional atlases of individual air pollutants, graphical and numerical information on the regional climatology of air pollutants based on the Copernicus CAMS model global reanalysis and regional reanalyses for three regions, the Contiguous United States (CONUS), Chile and China, as well as satellite information on AOD and NO2.

Question 2

What is the added-value of this module?

Accepted Answer

An atlas of historical atmospheric pollutants concentrations would be useful for public authorities in several ways:
Data Analysis and Trends: The atlas provides a comprehensive collection of historical data on atmospheric pollutant concentrations. Public authorities can analyze this data to identify long-term trends and patterns in air pollution. It helps them understand the historical context of air quality and assess changes over time. This information is valuable for policy evaluation, identifying hotspots, and targeting areas where pollution reduction efforts are needed.
Policy Development: The historical data presented in the atlas can inform the development of air quality management policies and regulations. By analyzing past pollutant concentrations and their sources, authorities can identify key contributors to air pollution and design targeted measures to address those sources effectively. The atlas provides a basis for evidence-based decision-making and allows authorities to set realistic air quality goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Public authorities often conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for proposed development projects or policy changes. An atlas of historical atmospheric pollutants concentrations can serve as a valuable reference during EIAs. It helps authorities assess the potential impacts of new projects or policies on air quality by comparing historical data with predicted changes. This supports informed decision-making and ensures that new developments are in line with air quality objectives.
Public Awareness and Education: The atlas can be used to raise public awareness about air pollution and its historical trends. Public authorities can share this information with the general public through educational campaigns, websites, and public outreach initiatives. By illustrating the historical impact of pollution on air quality, authorities can encourage individuals and communities to take actions to reduce pollution, promote behavioral changes, and support public engagement in air quality improvement efforts.
International Comparisons: An atlas of historical atmospheric pollutants concentrations allows public authorities to compare air quality trends and pollution levels with other regions or countries. Such comparisons help identify best practices, benchmark performance, and learn from successful approaches implemented elsewhere. It supports international collaboration and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences in air quality management.
Research and Scientific Studies: The atlas serves as a valuable resource for researchers and scientists conducting studies on air pollution and its impacts. It provides a comprehensive dataset for analyses, modelling, and validation of air quality models. Researchers can use the historical data to investigate long-term trends, assess the effectiveness of previous interventions, and contribute to the scientific understanding of air pollution dynamics.

Overall, an atlas of historical atmospheric pollutants concentrations provides public authorities with essential data and insights for policy development, environmental impact assessments, public awareness campaigns, international comparisons, research, and informed decision-making. It supports evidence-based approaches to air quality management and facilitates targeted actions to improve air quality and protect public health.

Question 3

Layout of the module

Accepted Answer

The layout of Module 1 is shown below.

In the topmost part (A), the user can choose between the Global and the Regional Atlas, select the country and target city or region, the data type and the time frame and resolution. The atlases both consist of a map (B) with zooming capability for each of the pollutants, a time series and statistical analysis tools. In the Global Atlas, air quality maps of the entire world at 80 km grid resolution are shown based on historical Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reanalysis data, NO2 column integrated data from the satellite-based Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS).
The Regional Atlas allows the user to understand and research historical and current air pollutants in a specific area. It is based on modelling data from the WRF-Chem and SILAM models, and satellite-based observations of NO2 from OMI and the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and AOD from MODIS. 
Below the map (C), the user can choose between a statistical summary at country level or from a manually selected area. Depending on the selection, in (D) a summary (mean, standard deviation and total relative change within the chosen time frame) and in (E) a time series for each pollutant are shown below, averaged either for the selected country or the area selected on the map.
If the Country Data tab was selected above, the next plot allows the user to relate air quality data to demographic data over time for different pollutants and different demographic variables such as gross domestic product or population density for the selected country (F).
The last plot (G) sets the selected country in relation to other countries. A time series of the relative change of each pollutant since the beginning of the chosen time frame is shown. On the right side, an overview of the total change since the beginning of the chosen time frame until the end is shown for the selected country and a list of other countries.
If the Surface Data tab was chosen, polygons can be drawn on the map in (B). The Pollutant Summary graph (D) below shows then the overview of all pollutants for the selected area (mean, standard deviation and total relative change within the chosen time frame), the Pollutants Time Series graph (E) shows the absolute levels of each pollutant with time in the selected area and the Pollutants Change over Time graph (G) shows the relative levels with time for each pollutant in the selected area.
The data can be exported by clicking on the Export Data button (H) on the bottom of the page.

Question 4

Geographical coverage

Accepted Answer

For the global atlas, all countries of the world in addition to states/provinces for the largest countries (USA, Canada, Russia, China and India).
For the regional atlas, central and southern Chile (Chile), CONUS area (USA) and China will be available and other regions may be developed afterwards depending on the demand.

User Interface Platform

Modules

Sectors

Data

OUR 5 MODULES

What does this module do ?

What is the added-value of this module?

Layout of the module

Geographical coverage

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