Air pollution is caused by different sources, including both stationary and mobile sources which render air quality regulation complex. Equally important is the fact that any approach to regulation needs to consider the ways of addressing the transboundary nature of air pollution. Regulatory approach to pollution is highly reliant upon developments in scientific knowledge and levels of innovation; thus requiring a close cooperation between communities and policy-makers.
The main approach to regulating air pollution is setting the environmental emission standards for well-known pollutants followed by a development of monitoring and assessment. This is coupled with the development of air quality plans and strategies aimed at remedying and improving the quality of air. However, there is a need for development of effective strategies for mitigation of poor air quality – ranging from technical, engineering, planning strategies to reduce emissions and exposure. In developing these strategies, the policy-makers are not only considering the environmental impacts of air pollution but also take into account different economic, social, political and legal considerations. This raises the question about potential to mitigate development-associated air degradation in low- and middle-income countries. Finally, the new approach to air pollution should include the development of the most effective governance structures in addition to state intervention focusing on personal behaviour (eg, nudging strategies) and structures to prevent organisational silos.
The University has an extensive record of providing scientific advice to inform policy for national and international bodies, ranging from DEFRA and the Department for Health through to the EU and WHO with an established framework for supporting policy development.
Clean Air Solutions: Resources: