Path Forward

The inhalation of air pollutants such as ozone and fine particles has been linked to adverse impacts on human health, and the atmospheric deposition of pollutants such as sulfates, nitrogen, and mercury has been linked to harmful effects on sensitive ecosystems. It is now well known that air pollution and climate change are interrelated. Given the local-to-global nature of atmospheric pollution, comprehensive air quality models are needed to better understand source–receptor relationships and to design meaningful and effective strategies to mitigate pollution problems. Both in North America and Europe, several models have been developed independently by different research groups during the last three decades. Some of these models are being widely used for designing emission control policies and forecasting air quality in both continentsJRC.H.2-Air and Climat