Air Pollution Management Strategies (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Air Pollution Management Strategies

• Air pollution management strategies are designed to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality in urban areas

• These strategies focus on:

  • Reducing the sources of pollution

  • Promoting cleaner technologies

  • Encouraging sustainable urban living

Reducing the use of fossil fuels

• One of the most effective ways to manage urban air pollution is to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels

• This includes:

  • Promoting the use of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro to power cities

  • Improving public transport systems in cities to reduce car usage, e.g.

    • Electric buses

    • Efficient metro systems

  • Creating infrastructure for cycling, e.g.

    • More cycle lanes

    • Cycle-hire schemes

  • Pedestrianising city centres

Emission zones and car restrictions

• Emission zones are areas where only vehicles meeting certain environmental standards are allowed to enter

  • Low Emission Zones (LEZs) restrict high-polluting vehicles, reducing air pollution in the city centre

  • For example, London has an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) where only vehicles meeting strict emission standards can drive

• Some cities also restrict car use on certain days or at peak times to decrease congestion and emissions

Catalytic converters

• Catalytic converters are devices fitted to car exhaust systems that reduce harmful emissions

  • They contain catalysts that speed up chemical reactions to convert pollutants like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into less harmful gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide

  • In many countries, it is compulsory for vehicles to have catalytic converters

Growing trees and natural screens

• Trees and green spaces play an important role in filtering pollutants from the air

• Trees can reduce air pollution and improve air quality by:

  • Absorbing carbon dioxide

  • Trapping particulate matter

• Natural screens such as hedges, tree lines and green walls can also help reduce pollutants near roads and buildings

Green walls and green roofs

• Green walls and green roofs are covered with vegetation and can improve air quality by filtering pollutants

  • They also help regulate temperature, reducing the urban heat island effect