Emerging Scientific Approaches for Identifying Ecologically Adverse Effects of Air Pollution

Environ Manage. 2024 Nov;74(5):835-845. doi: 10.1007/s00267-024-02039-4. Epub 2024 Sep 10.

Abstract

Now more than ever, complex socio-ecological challenges require timely and integrated responses from scientists and policymakers. Air quality is one such challenge. Under the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency establishes ambient air quality standards to protect public welfare from known or anticipated adverse effects of air pollutants. As our understanding of the environment and awareness of social values grow, there is a need to improve characterization of "adversity to the public welfare." Scientific assessment can link ecological effects to public welfare using modern scientific approaches that incorporate ecological complexity and multiple value systems held by the public. We propose ideas for the future of scientific assessments meant to inform air quality and other environmental decision-making, including concrete ways we can focus on vulnerable species and ecosystems, incorporate a multiplicity of values, climate and multiple stressors, and partner to diversify the knowledge upon which protective policies are based.

Keywords: Air pollution; Climate change; Public welfare; Science policy; Scientific assessment; Traditional ecological knowledge.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / adverse effects
  • Air Pollutants / analysis
  • Air Pollution* / adverse effects
  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Environmental Policy
  • Humans
  • United States
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency

Substances

  • Air Pollutants