Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Air Pollution Management Strategies (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
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
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember that some strategies reduce pollution at the source (e.g. reducing fossil fuel use), whereas others aim to manage the effects (e.g. planting trees). Although the first type is preferable, it is not possible for cities to remove all sources of air pollution, so a combined approach is required.
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