IASS (Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies) in Potsdam Germany is a trans-disciplinary and international research institute with a focus on climate change, the components of the earth system and sustainability. The main purpose of the Institute is to exchange scientific information and dialogue from research, policy, economics, society and culture. This work is achieved through “the initiation of strategic dialogue with representatives of the world economy, politics, society and arts and the dissemination of scientific results.” (IASS
Everyone knows the conventional weather forecast parameters like temperature, air pressure, humidity and probability of rain. Weather forecasts are an integral part of everyday life, but most of us only check them to plan for the next day or just to answer the most common question - what should I wear today? The weather forecast helps us in daily life, but meteorological parameters are not the only things which can be predicted. In fact it’s also possible to predict concentrations of chemical pollutants. But why could the forecast of air quality be interesting for the broader audience?
Air pollution problem doesn’t only include the well known issues like greenhouse gases, acid rain or the ozone hole. All of us should have knowledge about air pollution and its threats to our health and environment. The consequences of high air pollution can be dangerous for human health e.g. respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer. It may also cause problems with breathing, asthma and circulation. Everyone can react to air pollution in different ways depending on the type of pollutant, exposure time, other meteorological variables like temperature, humidity, wind etc. Especially at risk to the harmful effects of air pollution are children, the elderly, people with health problems or people with a genetic predisposition. So if you see on the map that the air pollution is very high in your city, it might be better to stay home.
Maybe you think you can't do anything about the environment or air quality and that this job is for environmental organizations and policy makers. But what if everyone on this planet thinks this way?
The causes of air pollution don’t only come from industrial facilities. A large part comes from transport and the use of solvents i.e. paints, varnishes, adhesives, cleaning agents, etc. So if everyone could reduce their consumption of these things, e.g. ride a bike instead if driving, the emission of the air pollutants could be lower.
If you want to know more you can find further information from the links below: