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The need for more integrated policy for air quality, acidification and climate change: Reactive nitrogen links them all
Abstract
Considerable quantities of bioavailable nitrogen (N) are released in the production of food and energy. The chemically bound nitrogen formed in this way amounts to 1.5 times the naturally formed amount, leading, to a number of environmental problems. The nitrogen compounds involved are mobile, reactive, and can be transformed into one another. A given N-containing molecule can, in fact, contribute successively to different environmental problems (through a cascade effect). In order to deal with all of these environmental reactive nitrogen (Nr) problems environmental policies are explored for synergies and integration. This is done by focusing on food production and energy use. There is already much policy related to many Nr problems at various levels: Dutch, European, global. Some of these policies are, or need to be, integrated with other policies. An integrated approach to nitrogen-related environmental problems will be more effective on all environmental and geopolitical (i.e. national, European and global) levels, and will therefore make for more efficient and cost-effective policy. The need for more coordinated policy for air quality, acidification and climate change is apparent. At the moment there is no policy or policy forum focusing on Nr as a whole. The importance of closing the N-cycle would merit a place on the agenda in the various geopolitical scales. This would bring integrated approaches to dealing with environmental Nr problems closer.The Netherlands has a high level of reactive nitrogen and associated environmental problems and also has some useful policy experience in addressing these problems. The Dutch experience is therefore reviewed and set in the context of recent research and policy developments at the European and global level.
... The political and academic discussions on climate change have put the impact of NO x and SO x on the local environment in the shadow of the impact of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions [2]. This was also evident by the investment patterns of utility companies, where it has been shown that costs followed by CO 2 emissions are the major evaluation criteria [3]. ...
... At the same time, air quality issues are aggregated by many green initiatives which focus on CO 2 reductions, which is why air quality implications need to be addressed [4]. Drawbacks in terms of air pollution have, for example, been claimed for biofuels relative to their fossil counterparts [2]. ...
... According to this study, the importance is which type of production is replaced and that climate change abatement and reduction of air pollution most often go hand in hand for the CCS-related technologies. It has also been claimed that a 15% reduction in CO 2 emissions from the EU15 would have positive spillover effects on sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and NO x emissions, which would be reduced to 25% and 8%, respectively [2]. ...
Energy utility companies face trade-offs in navigating through today’s environmental challenges. On the one hand, they face intense political, social and environmental pressures to move toward adopting energy systems that incorporate the use of renewable energy resources. By making this transition, they would contribute to carbon reduction and mitigate climate change. On the other hand, they need to coordinate their resources and become efficient when investing in new plants or upgrading existing production systems. This paper seeks to address the gains that utility companies can make when replacing older fossil-fuel-based plants with efficient combined heat and power (CHP) plants. We discuss the system effects from the changes in production of other units when new plants are constructed. Using one of the largest energy utility companies in Sweden, Fortum, as empirical point of departure, we analyzed the company’s transition from using coal and hydrocarbons to an increased use of renewables and waste incineration CHP. Our analysis was based on comprehensive production data on CO2, SOx and NOx emissions. Our findings suggest that primary energy consumption drops when older, less efficient fossil plants are substituted for new efficient CHP plants; this drop includes the effect on remaining production. The benefits in terms of primary energy savings might even be greater than what is achieved in meeting the goal of climate change abatement through reduced CO2 emissions; NOx and SOx emissions are decreased with new biomass CHPs. Waste incineration CHP increases NOx and SOx emissions, when there is less fossil fuel to replace after the use of biomass is extended. In both cases, economic efficiency increase as costs are reduced.
... The political and academic discussions on climate change have put the impact of NO x and SO x on the local environment in the shadow of the impact of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions [2]. This was also evident by the investment patterns of utility companies, where it has been shown that costs followed by CO 2 emissions are the major evaluation criteria [3]. ...
... At the same time, air quality issues are aggregated by many green initiatives which focus on CO 2 reductions, which is why air quality implications need to be addressed [4]. Drawbacks in terms of air pollution have, for example, been claimed for biofuels relative to their fossil counterparts [2]. ...
... According to this study, the importance is which type of production is replaced and that climate change abatement and reduction of air pollution most often go hand in hand for the CCS related technologies. It has also been claimed that a 15% reduction in CO 2 emissions from the EU15 would have positive spillover effects on sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and NO x emissions, which would be reduced 25% and 8%, respectively [2]. ...
Energy utility companies face trade-offs in navigating through today’s environmental challenges. On the one hand they face intense political, social and environmental pressures to move towards adopting energy systems that incorporate the use of renewable energy resources. By making this transition they would contribute to carbon reduction and mitigate climate change. On the other hand, they need to coordinate their resources and become efficient when investing in new plants or upgrading existing production systems. This paper seeks to address the gains that utility companies can make when replacing older fossil fuel base- plants with efficient combined heat and power (CHP) plants. We discuss the system effects from the changes in production of other units when new plants are constructed. Using one of the largest energy utility companies in Sweden, Fortum, as an empirical point of departure, we analyzed the company’s transition from using coal and hydrocarbons to an increased use of renewables and waste incineration CHP. Our analysis was based on comprehensive production data on CO2, SOx and NOx emissions. Our findings suggest that primary energy consumption drops when older and less efficient fossil plants are substituted for new efficient CHP plants; this drop includes the effect on the remaining production. The benefits in terms of primary energy savings might be even greater than what are achieved in meeting the goal of climate change abatement through reduced CO2 emissions; NOx and SOx emissions are decreased with new biomass CHPs. Waste incineration CHP increase NOx and SOx emissions, when there is less fossil fuel to replace after the use of biomass is extended. In both cases, economic efficiency increases as costs are reduced.
... It has been emphasised that the reductions in sulphur emissions for the sake of air pollution control may lead to enhanced-climate change (e.g., Stanhill and Cohen, 2001;Wild et al., in press), and even that sulphur can be deliberately emitted to mitigate climate change (Wigley, 2006;Crutzen, 2006). Secondly, air pollution is often caused by activities that also produce greenhouse gas emissions, such as industrial production, electricity generation and transport (Sliggers, 2004). ...
... International treaties aimed at reducing air pollution are mainly regional, although it is increasingly recognised that air quality is also a global problem (Holloway et al., 2003;Sliggers, 2004). This recognition may generate possibilities for harmonising air pollution measures with climate agreements, in the case that full integration of the policy areas is not feasible. ...
Both mitigation of and adaptation to climate change require actions to be taken in many sectors of society, but so far this is hardly happening. This paper suggests possibilities for widening climate change policy by strengthening inter-linkages between climate policies and various relevant policy areas to mainstream climate change concerns. It argues that, if these inter-linkages can be strengthened and policy coherence is improved, the effectiveness of climate policy can be enhanced while also supporting these other policy areas. The contention in this paper is that improved policy coherence and mainstreaming requires climate policies to go beyond the UNFCCC framework to realise its full potential and to better deal with possible trade-offs. The potential benefits in the policy domains of poverty reduction, rural development and agriculture, disaster management, energy security, air quality and trade, and finance are examined, and the institutional and organisations linkages highlighted. Finally, opportunities for mainstreaming are identified to make better use of possible synergies between climate and related policy areas.
... The extensive research in the past on these issues has resulted in integrated models, databases and a science basis (a.o. [15,[21][22][23][24] ). An example is NitroGenius (www. ...
... The Gothenburg Protocol that was adopted and signed in 1999 has set emission ceilings for SO 2 , NO x , NH 3 and VOC for 2010 in order to combat acid and nitrogen deposition on natural ecosystems and the effects of ozone on human health and natural ecosystems. Once the Protocol is fully implemented, Europe's sulfur emissions should be cut by at least 63%, its NO x emissions by 41%, its VOC emissions by 40% and its ammonia emissions by 17% compared to 1990 [24] . During the preparation of this Protocol, it was estimated that an integrated and cost-effective approach to acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone in Europe would halve the costs [40] . ...
The Netherlands is "well known" for its nitrogen problems; it has one of the highest reactive nitrogen (Nr) emission densities in the world. It is a small country at the delta of several large European rivers. Ever since the industrial revolution, there has been a growing excess of nutrients and related emissions into the atmosphere (ammonia, nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide) and into groundwater and surface water (nitrate), leading to a large range of cascading environmental impacts. Vehicular traffic, sewage and animal husbandry are the main sources of oxidized and reduced forms of Nr. This report provides an overview of the origin and fate of nitrogen in the Netherlands, the various reported impacts of nitrogen and the Dutch and European policies to reduce nitrogen emissions and related impacts. In addition, ways are presented to go forward to potentially solve the problems in a European perspective. Solutions include the improvement of nitrogen efficiencies in different systems, technological options and education.
... Studies that seek to understand and propose pollution control actions are important to mitigate environmental impacts and maintain quality of life (Kikaj et al., 2020;Tian et al., 2013). The release of compounds such as CO, CO 2 , NO, NO 2 , NOx, and SO 2 is closely associated with climate change and health risks (Lee et al., 2020;Sliggers, 2004). ...
The use of biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel in vehicular engines demands the evaluation of the possible impacts and effects of the gases emitted from their combustion on the environment. Among studies on these questions, biomonitoring using lichens is a viable alternative, given their interactions with the elements dispersed in the atmosphere, as well as its sensitivity and capacity to retain contaminants. In this study, we analyzed the effects of gas emissions from the combustion of biodiesel mixture with petroleum diesel on Cladonia verticillaris thalli. Samples of the lichen (10 g) were exposed to the gases emitted by the exhaust of the generator engine during the combustion process of biodiesel mixtures to petroleum diesel (7% (B7), 10% (B10), 40% (B40), 50% (B50), and 70% (B70)). At 90 days after exposure, samples were analyzed for n-alkane profiles, thallus morphology, photosynthetic pigment contents, and secondary lichen metabolites (protocetraric and fumarprotocetraric acids). Sets B7 and B10 showed better resistance of the lichen to pollutants. Set B40 showed a high stress evidenced by the chain elongation of n-alkanes structure and high chlorophyll production, presenting high morphological damages when compared to the control sets, B7 and B10. The results showed significant reductions of n-alkanes profiles for mixtures with high concentrations of biodiesel (B50 and B70), as well as decreases in the chlorophyll content. These groups showed an increase in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, corroborating the hypothesis that high concentrations of biodiesel in the mixture with petroleum diesel have greater impacts on the lichen.
Graphical abstract
Schematic model for demonstration of using the lichen Cladonia verticillaris as biomonitor of effects from gas emissions from the combustion of biodiesel blends with petroleum diesel by a stationary engine.
... A diminuição dos níveis de de origem antrópica é um problema de difícil solução, que cada vez mais é tratado com uma abordagem multidisciplinar, regional e transfronteiriça, recomendando-se ainda políticas reguladoras ambientais integradas (SLIGGERS, 2004;TUINSTRA et al., 2006;TUINSTRA, 2007TUINSTRA, , 2008COMPTON et al., 2011). Neste contexto, a deposição atmosférica representa uma fração comparativamente pequena da entrada de nitrogênio que recebe um ecossistema, mas com uma importância significativa no transporte regional e continental do nitrogênio reativo (SCHLESINGER, 2009 é o processo de redução do nitrito a óxidos de nitrogênio ( = + 2 ), passando pelo óxido nitroso ( 2 ), que é muito menos reativo e possui um tempo de vida médio na atmosfera de ~131 anos (IPCC, 2013b), e terminando por fim em 2 . ...
This work aimed to estimate the contribution of biomass burning emissions to the deposition of nitrogen species in South America, to contribute to the assessment of the
alterations in the biogeochemical cycles of the potential affected ecosystems. As a first
step, a compilation of reactive nitrogen data was made, including inorganic and organic
components, with studies available in the literature and an aerosol composition study
conducted with aerosol samples collected during the SAMBBA experiment (The South
American Biomass Burning Analysis). Then, a series of sensitivity tests were conducted
to assess the level of sophistication required in the modelling of biomass burning
aerosols, including the assessment of the relative importance of rainout and washout
process. Finally, two sets of numerical simulations were conducted, with and without
biomass burning emissions, to assess the deposition of reactive nitrogen, and the
contribution of biomass burning to it. The modeling work was conducted with the 3D
atmospheric transport model BRAMS (Brazilian Regional Atmospheric Modelling
System). The BRAMS model is able to simulate the emissions, transport and removal
processes of gases and aerosols and chemical reactivity in the atmosphere. Several
improvements for a better representation of relevant processes in tropical and
subtropical regions are already included in the model, such as the parameterization of
shallow and deep convection and the plume rising for biomass burning. The model also
includes the aerosol module MATRIX, Multiconfiguration Aerosol TRacker of mIXing
state, allowing for the simulation of the temporal evolution of up to 16 aerosol
populations, and their interactions. The available observations showed that reactive
nitrogen concentrations were higher during the dry season, but its deposition showed no
seasonal characteristics due to the lower rain volumes. In the South and Southeast of
Brazil, however, the deposition was much higher during the dry season months. While
washout or below-cloud scavenging proved to be a very slow process that can be
neglected in a first approximation, rainout is likely the preferred removal pathway of
biomass burning aerosols originated in Amazônia. The sensitivity testes conducted
indicated that it is important to consider the very low hygroscopicity specific to these
aerosols, since the use of moderate values as suggested for other biomass/regions could
result in overestimations of up to 50% in the CCN concentration. On the other hand,
even when the population is externally mixed, it can be simulated as an external mixture
with an average error of ~5%. The simulations conduced allowed for an estimation of
the nitrate and ammonium deposition loads that was consistent with observations, with
exception of the south of Brazil. In this region, the low precipitation accumulates
resulted in a low wet deposition loads. However, the deposition loads associated with a
cold front system showed as much as twice the average deposition load obtained for the
period. Biomass burning contributed with over 30% of the total nitrogen population in a
large extension of the continent.
... The paper also includes a definition on the marginal concept as it is used in this cover essay. Purpose: The focus on climate change has put other issues relating to the local environment in the shadows (Sliggers, 2004). This is problematic as many green initiatives aggregate air quality issues (Tiwary et al., 2013). ...
... The paper also includes a definition on the marginal concept as it is used in this cover essay. Purpose: The focus on climate change has put other issues relating to the local environment in the shadows (Sliggers, 2004). This is problematic as many green initiatives aggregate air quality issues (Tiwary et al., 2013). ...
Today, issues such as climate change and increased competition for scarce resources puts
pressure on society and firms to transform. Change is not easily managed though, especially not
when relating to production or consumption of energy carriers such as district heating or electric
power. These systems do not only have strong dynamics internally, but dynamics between
multiple technological systems must sometimes be considered to effectively manage response and
strategies in relation to change.
During the early 1980s, an optimisation model founded on an expert-based approach was
developed based on the partial equilibrium model to enable the evaluation of different actions to
reach a target. This model — often referred to as marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) or
conservation supply curve (CSC) — is used by academia, industry and policymakers globally. The
model is applied for causes such as energy conservation and waste management, but also within
the climate change context for optimising CO2 reductions and governmental policy. In this
context, the model is used by actors such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), International Energy Agency (IEA) and World Bank, and by the consultancy firm
McKinsey & Company, who use it extensively in different analysis.
This model has many drawbacks in relation to managing interdependencies between different
options, but more specifically the metric used for ranking options with a negative marginal cost
has a design flaw leading to biased results. As a solution Pareto optimisation has been suggested,
but is problematic given the dynamics within and between energy systems.
The purpose of this compilation dissertation is to improve the ability for industry and
policymakers to effectively manage change and reach set targets. In particular it develops our
knowledge of how to account for option interdependency within and between technological
systems. Furthermore, the ranking problem relating to expert-based least cost integrated planning
is addressed.
This dissertation also provides policy and managerial implications relating to the issues of energy
conservation, CO2 abatement, and SOx and NOx reduction in relation to the district heating
system in Stockholm. Implications are also provided for the interaction with other systems such
as the Nordic electric power system.
... Considerable quantities of bio-available nitrogen are released in the production of food and energy. An integrated approach to nitrogen related environmental problems will be more effective on all environmental and geopolitical levels and will therefore make for more efficient and cost-effective policy [189]. Claudia Kemfert investigated the world economic implications of climate change policy strategies and particularly evaluated the impacts of an implementation of CDM, joint implementation and emissions trading with a world integrated assessment model. ...
Global climate change is a change in the long-term weather patterns that characterize the regions of the world. Scientists state unequivocally that the earth is warming. Natural climate variability alone cannot explain this trend. Human activities, especially the burning of coal and oil, have warmed the earth by dramatically increasing the concentrations of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. The more of these gases humans put into the atmosphere, the more the earth will warm in the decades and centuries ahead. The impacts of warming can already be observed in many places, from rising sea levels to melting snow and ice to changing weather patterns. Climate change is already affecting ecosystems, freshwater supplies, and human health. Although climate change cannot be avoided entirely, the most severe impacts of climate change can be avoided by substantially reducing the amount of heat-trapping gases released into the atmosphere. However, the time available for beginning serious action to avoid severe global consequences is growing short. This paper reviews assessing of such climate change impacts on various components of the ecosystem such as air, water, plants, animals and human beings, with special emphasis on economy. The most daunting problem of global warming is also discussed. This paper, further reviews the mitigation measures, with a special focus on carbon sequestration and clean development mechanism (CDM). The importance of synergy between climate change mitigation and adaptation has been discussed. An overview of the relationship between economy and emissions, including Carbon Tax and Emission Trading and the policies are also presented.
... The Gothenburg Protocol that was adopted and signed in 1999 has set emission ceilings for SO 2 , NO x , NH 3 and VOC for 2010 in order to combat acid and nitrogen deposition on natural ecosystems and the effects of ozone on human health and natural ecosystems. Once the Protocol is fully implemented, Europe's sulfur emissions should be cut by at least 63%, its NO x emissions by 41%, its VOC emissions by 40% and its ammonia emissions by 17% compared to 1990 [24] . During the preparation of this Protocol, it was estimated that an integrated and cost-effective approach to acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone in Europe would halve the costs [40] . ...
The Netherlands is "well known" for its nitrogen problems; it has one of the highest reactive nitrogen (Nr) emission densities in the world. It is a small country at the delta of several large European rivers. Ever since the industrial revolution, there has been a growing excess of nutrients and related emissions into the atmosphere (ammonia, nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide) and into groundwater and surface water (nitrate), leading to a large range of cascading environmental impacts. Vehicular traffic, sewage and animal husbandry are the main sources of oxidized and reduced forms of Nr. This paper provides an overview of the origin and fate of nitrogen in the Netherlands, the various reported impacts of nitrogen, the Dutch and European policies to reduce nitrogen emissions and related impacts. In addition, ways are presented to go forward to potentially solve the problems in a European perspective. Solutions include the improvement of nitrogen efficiencies in different systems, technological options and education.
... In the first instance this relies on the generation and distribution of trusted environmental information. In many places, policymakers are demanding access to better quality information resources, better integrative policy processes and assistance from information systems managers (Ballantyne, 1995;Fisher, 2002;Sliggers, 2004). ...
Algal growth and the water quality effects were studied and modeled in the lower reaches of the Colusa Basin Drain as a stream system. Statistical Techniques such as the correlation matrix and the stepwise multiple regression are performed on such variables as algal biomass, ammonia, nitrate, orthophosphate, temperature, and the solar radiation intensity in deriving an algae statistical model. Orthophosphate is shown as the limiting nutrient controlling the growth kinetics of algae. A one-dimensional dynamic mathematical and computer model is formulated to simulate suspended algae and water quality parameters. The mathematical solution is obtained by a finite-difference implicit method. The model is calibrated and confirmed with the data collected from the lower 30 km reaches of the Colusa Basin Drain. The simulation results for both the statistical and the dynamic models are in good agreement with measured values. The model can be used to evaluate water quality in stream systems.
Biodiversity loss, as a result of human activities, affects ecosystem productivity and sustainability. Along with climate change and habitat reduction, enhanced nitrogen inputs via atmospheric deposition represent the major drivers of biodiversity reduction. Nitrogen is a limiting factor for ecosystems. Increased bioavailable nitrogen due to increased nitrogen emissions is detrimental for biodiversity compartments. This review summarizes the general soil nitrogen biogeochemical cycle, macro regional nitrogen deposition studies and trends as well as the effects of increased nitrogen deposition, whether site specific or experimental addition. Present review also describes types of impact that elevated nitrogen induce on different ecosystem types and managerial propositions to mitigate the negative impacts of nitrogen depositions.
Iron and Steel industry, as one of the pillar industries in national economy of China, is a typical resource, energy and pollution intensive industry. During the 12th Five-Year Plan, it would be very difficult to achieve the pollutants emission reduction goal if iron and steel industry still carries on the way that treatment and control of different pollutants in different methods, which would also result in substantive economic cost. This article, based on the current research on the application of synergies in China and developed countries, and also on the development of pollutants synergies reduction in iron and steel industry, analyzed the prospect of synergies reduction in iron and steel industry.
Wetenschappelijke Assessment en Beleidsanalyse (WAB) WAB is een subprogramma van het Netherlands Research Programme on Climate Change (NRP-CC). Het doel van dit subprogramma is: • Het bijeenbrengen en evalueren van relevante wetenschappelijke informatie ten behoeve van beleids-ontwikkeling en besluitvorming op het terrein van klimaatverandering; • Het analyseren van voornemens en besluiten in het kader van de internationale klimaatonderhandelin-gen op hun consequenties. Het betreft analyse-en assessmentwerk dat beoogt een gebalanceerde beoordeling te geven van de stand van de kennis ten behoeve van de onderbouwing van beleidsmatige keuzes. Deze analyse-en assessment-activiteiten hebben een looptijd van enkele maanden tot ca. een jaar, afhankelijk van de complexiteit en de urgentie van de beleidsvraag. Per onderwerp wordt een assessmentteam samengesteld bestaande uit de beste Nederlandse experts. Het gaat om incidenteel en additioneel gefinancierde werkzaamheden, te onder-scheiden van de reguliere, structureel gefinancierde activiteiten van het consortium op het gebied van kli-maatonderzoek. Er dient steeds te worden uitgegaan van de actuele stand der wetenschap. Klanten zijn met name de NMP-departementen, met VROM in een coördinerende rol, maar tevens maatschappelijke groepe-ringen die een belangrijke rol spelen bij de besluitvorming over en uitvoering van het klimaatbeleid. De verantwoordelijkheid voor de uitvoering berust bij een consortium bestaande uit RIVM/MNP, KNMI, CCB Wageningen-UR, ECN, Vrije Universiteit/CCVUA, UM/ICIS en UU/Copernicus Instituut. Het RIVM/MNP is hoofdaannemer en draagt daarom de eindverantwoordelijkheid.
Weather and climate have considerable influence on the concentration of air pollutants such as particles and gases.The range and concentration of these particlesand gases are very dependent on prevailing weather conditions and air currents. This research concentrates on health effects of benzene, one ofthe air pollutants of Tehran, as a major city.The concentration ofbenzene emission to air due to deficient oxidation of fuel in vehicles or evaporation of gasoline at gas stations and the gas tanks of the automobiles, at market station in Tehran shows significantly high values than EPA guidelines that is used in Iran. The result of calculation of risk assessment was 3.6 × 10-5 (3.6 cancers per 100000).
In this study ways are explored to increase the policy coherence between the climate regime and a selected number of climate relevant policy areas, by adding a non-climate policy track to national and international climate strategies. The report assesses first the potential, synergies and trade-offs of linking the climate regime to relevant other policy areas, including poverty reduction, land-use, security of energy supply, trade and finance and air quality and health. Next the possibilities to mainstream climate in those policy areas are explored. After this the question is answered how a 'non-climate' policy track can be made part of the current adaptation and mitigation efforts within UNFCCC and its national implementation. Lastly, the question is answered how national and international policies can contribute to the implementation of the non-climate policy track. The reports concludes that the non-climate policy track offers a lot of potential to enhance the implementation of climate beneficial development pathways to decrease the vulnerability of societies for climate change and/or result in less greenhouse gas emissions. Dit onderzoek verkent wegen om de beleidscoherentie tussen het klimaatbeleid en een aantal klimaat relevante beleidsterreinen te versterken. Dit kan worden gerealiseerd door een niet-klimaat beleidsspoor toe te voegen aan nationale en internationale klimaatbeleidstrategieen. Onderzocht zijn het armoedebestrijdingsbeleid, landgebruik en landbouw, de voorzieningszekerheid van energie, handel en financiering, en luchtkwaliteit en gezondheid. Het rapport analyseert het potentieel en de mogelijkheden voor synergie en uitruil van het verbinden van klimaatbeleid met deze beleidsterreinen. Op deze manier is een overzicht gemaakt van de meest veelbelovende opties om klimaat te integreren. Vervolgens is nagegaan hoe een niet-klimaat beleidsspoor onderdeel gemaakt kan worden van het huidige adaptatie en mitigatiebeleid binnen de UNFCCC en nationaal klimaatbeleid. Tot slot is de vraag beantwoord hoe nationaal en internationaal beleid kan bijdragen aan de implementatie van het niet-klimaat beleidsspoor. Het rapport concludeert dat het niet-klimaat beleidsspoor een aanzienlijk potentieel heeft om de implementatie van klimaatveilige en klimaatvriendelijke ontwikkelingspaden te versterken, met als uiteindelijk doel de kwetsbaarheid van samenlevingen voor klimaatveranderingen te verminderen en minder broeikasgasemissies uit te stoten.
Worldwide, the increasing deterioration in urban air quality due to vehicle emissions has created the need for greater capacity in air quality management and more comprehensive knowledge about the sources and spatial and temporal distribution of vehicle emissions, without which impact studies and subsequent mitigation policy cannot be formulated. To investigate this proposition and assist with the design/development of new air quality information tools for this evolving context, this research examines the generation and use of air quality information in New Zealand, through two case studies. The first case study examines NZTER, a tool used for generating 'vehicle fleet emission rates information' used in a number of different models for air quality assessment and transport policy. The second case examines the early stages of the development and operationalisation of an integrated environmental management tool, the VFEM-w, which hopes to quantify/model the type, source and pathways of airborne pollutants entering the urban stormwater water system. While the NZTER is uncomplicated, it is inefficient and produces information of insufficient quality in the current policy-making context. The VFEM-w case illustrates the challenges of attempting to embed a conceptually and technically complex model in an existing cultural, technical and political setting. Recommendations for the use and development of air quality information tools are made and closing comments consider the issue of information quality in sustainable management.
This study investigated if some nitrogen (N) compounds commonly used as fertilizers (KNO3, NH4NO3, (NH4)2SO4) cause chlorophyll degradation in the N-tolerant lichen Xanthoria parietina and if polyamines are responsible for the N-tolerance of this species. The results showed that N excess does not cause chlorophyll degradation and suggested the absence of kinetics in the mode of action of the N compounds tested. External supply of inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis prior to N treatments did not cause any change in the response of chlorophyll integrity, suggesting that at least chlorophyll integrity is not controlled by polyamines.
This paper examines the impact of food and energy production on the global N cycle by contrasting N flows in the late-19th century with those of the late-20th century. We have a good understanding of the amounts of reactive N created by humans, and the primary points of loss to the environment. However, we have a poor understanding of nitrogen's rate of accumulation in environmental reservoirs, which is problematic because of the cascading effects of accumulated N in the environment. The substantial regional variability in reactive nitrogen creation, its degree of distribution, and the likelihood of increased rates of reactive-N formation (especially in Asia) in the future creates a situation that calls for the development of a Total Reactive Nitrogen Approach that will optimize food and energy production and protect environmental systems.
A nitrogen decision support system in the form of a game (NitroGenius) was developed for the Second International Nitrogen Conference. The aims were to: i) improve understanding among scientists and policy makers about the complexity of nitrogen pollution problems in an area of intensive agricultural, industrial, and transportation activity (The Netherlands); and ii) search for optimal policy solutions to prevent pollution effects at lowest economic and social costs. NitroGenius includes a model of nitrogen flows at relevant spatial and temporal scales including emissions of ammonia and nitrogen oxides and contamination of surface- and groundwaters. NitroGenius also includes an economic model describing relationships for important sectors and impacts of different nitrogen control measures on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), unemployment, energy use, and environmental costs. About 50 teams played NitroGenius during the Second International Nitrogen Conference. The results show that careful planning and selection of abatement options can solve Dutch nitrogen problems at reasonable cost.
Human efforts to produce food and energy are changing the nitrogen (N) cycle of the Earth. Many of these changes are highly beneficial for humans, while others are detrimental to people and the environment. These changes transcend scientific disciplines, geographical boundaries, and political structures. They challenge the creative minds of natural and social scientists, economists, engineers, business leaders, and decision makers. The Second International Nitrogen Conference was designed to facilitate communications among all stakeholders in the "nitrogen community" of the world. The Conference participants" goal in the years and decades ahead is to encourage every country to make optimal choices about N management in food production and consumption, energy production and use, and environmental protection. Scientific findings and recommendations for decision makers that emerged from the Conference are presented.
A nitrogen decision support system in the form of a game (NitroGenius) was developed for the Second International Nitrogen Conference. The aims were to: i) improve understanding among scientists and policy makers about the complexity of nitrogen pollution problems in an area of intensive agricultural, industrial, and transportation activity (The Netherlands); and ii) search for optimal policy solutions to prevent pollution effects at lowest economic and social costs. NitroGenius includes a model of nitrogen flows at relevant spatial and temporal scales including emissions of ammonia and nitrogen oxides and contamination of surface- and groundwaters. NitroGenius also includes an economic model describing relationships for important sectors and impacts of different nitrogen control measures on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), unemployment, energy use, and environmental costs. About 50 teams played NitroGenius during the Second International Nitrogen Conference. The results show that careful planning and selection of abatement options can solve Dutch nitrogen problems at reasonable cost.
This study seeks to set priorities for environmental policy in the Netherlands. We focused on seven environmental issues including: climate change, acidification, low level ozone, particulate matter, noise, eutrophication and land contamination. These issues are prioritised using three different approaches: damage assessment, public opinion and 'disability adjusted life years'(DALYs). According to the damage assessment approach the priorities, in terms of potential benefits from full control, are low level ozone, land contamination and particulate matter, followed by acidification and climate change, whilst noise and eutrophication are estimated to yield the lowest potential benefits from control. However, in the absence of cost estimates no conclusions can be reached on the desirability of control measures. Public opinion surveys show that environmental issues other than the seven considered in this study are a major concern for the Dutch public, namely chemical release and oil pollution. However, focusing on the seven issues considered in this study, the Dutch public rank, climate change, acidification, eutrophication and air pollution from cars (interpreted as low-level ozone and PM10) as the issues of most concern. According to the DALYs approach the health effects of air pollution from particulate matter, and to a certain degree from low level ozone, dominate the disease burden. The future disease burden is largely due to changes in the population structure, i.e. an increasing, aged population. Another environmental problem associated with a high disease burden is noise exposure from road and air traffic. Based on a simple 'Borda count', a final ranking for the environmental issues is made. This study concludes that land contamination, climate change and particulate matter are top priority environmental issues in the Netherlands, followed by acidification, low level ozone, eutrophication and finally noise. These findings suggest that future policies focusing on the top issues may yield considerable benefit depending on their cost of control. Although ranking environmental issues is useful in the sense of highlighting priority issues and indicating if there is any surprise environmental issues for the Netherlands. It is important to note that the benefit estimates offer only some guidance on environmental priorities, in the absence of data on costs of implementing policies only part of the picture necessary for establishing priorities is provided. For a full-scale economic analysis benefit estimates need to be compared with cost estimates within a CBA framework. This is outside the scope of this study, however a separate paper on the issues relating to and experience with such CBAs is presented in Annex II.
Experts call for international cooperation to slash nitrogen pollution, which they say ranks with greenhouse gases as an environmental threat.
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Sensitivity analysis for a central scenario to control acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone in Europe
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