Air Pollution Management Strategies (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)): Revision Note

Air Pollution Management Strategies

• Air pollution, particularly urban smog, poses significant challenges that require effective management strategies

• Various approaches can be adopted to mitigate and reduce air pollution

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There is a clear need to alter human activity to consume less fossil fuels

   Altering Human Activity

• This can be done by encouraging the use of energy-efficient technologies in homes, industries, and transportation

• Another approach is to promote the use of public or shared transit systems to reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road

• Encouraging walking or cycling for shorter distances also reduces reliance on motor vehicles

   Regulating and Reducing Pollutants at Point of Emission

• Government regulations and policies can be implemented to set emission limits and standards for industries, vehicles, and power plants

• Taxes or fees on high-polluting activities can be imposed to discourage their usage and incentivise cleaner alternatives

• The transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power should be promoted (e.g. by providing financial incentives for early adopters)

   Catalytic Converters

• Catalytic converters are devices installed in vehicles' exhaust systems to reduce emissions of primary pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide

• These devices facilitate chemical reactions that convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere

   Regulating Fuel Quality

• Governments can establish regulations and standards for fuel quality, ensuring that it contains fewer pollutants

• For example, this can be achieved by implementing stricter controls on sulfur content in fuels, therefore reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide and related pollutants

   Adopting Clean-up Measures

• Reforestation efforts can help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing its concentration and mitigating the greenhouse effect

• Re-greening initiatives involve creating green spaces within urban areas, improving air quality and providing additional benefits such as shade and cooling effects

• Conservation of natural areas and preservation of ecosystems (e.g. salt marshes, peat bogs, tropical rainforests) can contribute to carbon sequestration and the reduction of air pollution

• These management strategies, when implemented collectively, aim to reduce air pollution, improve air quality, and protect human health and the environment

• By addressing pollution at its sources and promoting sustainable practices, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier future