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Transformative interaction between digital technologies and people for a sustainable indoor climate in schools (DIGG-MIN-SKOLE)

Project

A good indoor environment at school is important for the health and well-being of pupils and staff, and has a significant impact on pupils' learning outcomes.

Good maintenance of buildings and operation of the technical facilities is important to have good indoor climate, but it is also crucial that staff and pupils use the school buildings correctly and are involved in practical indoor environment work at school level.

This requires that staff and pupils are aware of and have knowledge of how their behavior affects the indoor climate, as well as how the individual can contribute to ensuring as good an indoor climate as possible at the school.

Data from indoor climate sensors, combined with information about how employees and pupils experience indoor climate and related health problems, can provide new opportunities to both identify indoor climate problems, find the cause and identify the right measures, and to create new tools that engage and involve the users of the school buildings.

Today's schools are largely equipped with sensor systems for indoor climate, but there are no tools to collect data on user experiences. Data from integrated sensors is to a small extent available to the school. Information on connections between sensor data and experiences is currently lacking.

DIGG-MIN-SKOLE vill combine data from sensors that are an integral part of the school's technical facilities and/or individual indoor climate sensors with self-acquired data related to user experience.

This data will be used to develop a machine learning model that can estimate the probability that the users will experience reduced well-being/health problems, which factors in the indoor climate are most likely to be the cause of the health problems (temperature, light conditions, noise, CO2 etc.) and identify targeted mitigating measures at school /classroom level.

Unit managers, staff and students must contribute to the design of (part) tools so that the results from the machine learning model are suitable for use in the school's everyday life. The end result will be a technical specification and demonstration of a user-oriented management system (BOF) in several schools.

Field evaluation of Vaisala sensor systems

Project

The aim of the project was to perform a field test of three commercial Vaisala sensor system units to validate the measurements of NO2, O3, PM2.5 and PM10 against results from reference instrumentation.

The field test took place at a measuring station in Oslo, which is characterized as an urban background station. The field test lasted 3 months.

Air quality assessment for Levanger municipality

Project

NILU har utarbeidet en tiltaksutredning del I (kartlegging) for lokal luftkvalitet i Levanger. Utredningen er gjennomført på oppdrag for Levanger kommune etter anbefaling fra Miljødirektoratet.

Tiltaksutredningen gjør rede for forurensningssituasjonen og mulige tiltak for å redusere nivået av luftforurensning innenfor kravene i forurensningsforskriften.

Tiltaksutredningen omfatter en kartlegging med utslipps- og spredningsberegninger for alle relevante kilder til PM10 og PM2,5 i 2017 og 2019. I tillegg er det utført målinger av disse komponentene gjennom hele 2021 ved en målestasjon (Kirkegata) i Levanger sentrum.

Basert på resultatene fra kartleggingen, er det foreslått en handlingsplan med fire hovedpunkter som kan bidra til å redusere forurensningsnivåene i Levanger.

User-driven Health risk Assessment Services and Innovative ADAPTation options against Threats from Heatwaves, Air Pollution, Wildfire Emission and Pollen

Project

Transformative adaptation is gaining recognition as the appropriate response to climate change as the current adaptive measures reach their limits.

In addressing health risks associated with heat waves, air pollution, wildfire emission and pollen, the implementation of comprehensive transformative adaptation remains largely unreported in Europe.

healthRiskADAPT’s objective is to develop and implement a health risk assessment system for Mediterranean, Alpine and Continental regions. Its contents and tools will be in line with Climate-ADAPT described Urban adaptation support tool. This will support empowerment of local and regional authorities to make informed decisions in strategic planning, management and daily operational mitigation of health challenges related to climate change.

healthRiskADAPT will address the fundamental causes of vulnerability and implement concrete adaptation measures aiming to mitigate the health impacts of climate change. The key details of this approach include:

1) Co-creation with users of integrated transformative adaptation options encompassing technical, nature based, and social solutions, reducing the impact of climate-related risks on human health in both indoor and outdoor environments. (SO1, SO5, SO6)

2) Vulnerability assessments, health indicators, and risk indices related to climate change impact on health, considering different temporal and spatial scales. (SO2, SO3)

3) Interactive and user-friendly toolkit for local & regional authorities to assess hazards, vulnerability, and risks specific to their regions. These toolkits will facilitate the prioritization, planning, and evaluation of adaptation options. (SO4)

healthRiskADAPT will use various communication techniques (SO7) to actively engage with all stakeholders involved in the adaptation process, and develop an upscaling strategy to meet the ambitions of the Climate mission. Furthermore, we seek to enhance the preparedness of the healthcare system to respond effectively to the challenges posed by the effects of climate change.

DOI: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101157458

[caption id="attachment_53972" align="alignnone" width="1037"]Floatchart for the project HealthRiskADAPT Floatchart for the project HealthRiskADAPT[/caption]

Tromsø

Air quality assessment for Tromsø

Project

NILU and Urbanet analyse have prepared a revised air quality assessment for Tromsø.

The action plan, including strategies and measures, aims to reduce air pollution to a level that meets the requirements of the regulation.

The air quality assessment covers mapping of the air quality in Tromsø through traffic, emission and dispersion calculations of PM10, PM2,5 and NO2 for the current situation in 2016 and future situation in 2023 with and without measures to combat particulate matter.

Based on the results from the calculations and in collaboration with Tromsø municipality and the working group, a revised action and emergency plan has been proposed for political consideration.

Drammen, Ypsilon bro

Revision of air quality assessment for Drammen

Project

NILU, in collaboration with Asplan Viak AS, has prepared a local air quality assessment for Drammen municipality.

The project includes an assessment of air quality in Drammen through traffic calculations and emission and dispersion calculations for airborne particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) for the Present situation in 2021, and future scenarios (2030) with and without measures aimed at PM emissions.

Based on the results from the calculations and in collaboration with Drammen municipality, Statens vegvesen, and Viken fylkeskommune, a revised action plan has been proposed for political processing.

Bergen

Revised local air quality assessment for Bergen

Project

NILU has prepared a revised air quality assessment for Bergen.

The assessment with an action plan for improved local air quality aims to ensure that pollution levels remain within the limits set by the Norwegian regulation. The assessment of air quality in Bergen municipality includes traffic and emission and dispersion calculations for PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 for the current situation in 2019 and the reference situation in 2030 with existing and potential new measures.

The plan evaluates the effectiveness of these measures in meeting the requirements and considers the possibility of further reductions according to the recommendations of health authorities.

Based on the results of the calculations and in collaboration with Bergen municipality, Statens vegvesen, Bergen port authority, and Vestland fylkeskommune, a revised action plan has been proposed for political processing.

Air quality assessment for Lørenskog municipality

Project

The air quality assessment for Lørenskog municipality covers mapping of the air quality through traffic, emission and dispersion calculations of PM10, PM2,5 and NO2 for the present situation (2019) and future scenarios (2030) with existing and possible future measures.

Based on the calculations and in coordination with Lørenskog municipality and the reference group, a plan for improved local air quality and a management plan for periods with high concentration levels is proposed for political processing.

Oversiktsbilde over Bergen. Sommer.

Air quality plan for improved air quality in Bergen

Project

NILU and Urbanet Analyze (UA) have prepared a revised air quality plan for Bergen city. The air quality plan will help to reduce the air pollution to a level that meets the requirements of the pollution regulations.

This revised action plan includes air quality calculations for Bergen for NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 for the present situation (2015) and scenario calculations for the year 2021 following a business as usual (BAU) emission scenario.

Mitigation scenario calculations of air quality in 2021, with the introduction of a new set of measures to control pollution levels Bergen, were also carried out.

Based on the results of the calculations and in dialogue with Bergen municipality and stakeholders, a revised 10-point action program has been proposed to be addressed politically.

GRC pilot – Enhancing Climate, Air Quality, Well-being, and Sustainable Development Goals (MASSEV)

Project

Overview

The MASSIVE project is a pioneering initiative designed to enhance health, urban living, and foster global partnerships, with a specific focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This innovative project employs a holistic nexus approach to examine the intricate relationships between climate change, air quality, health, and overall well-being. It aims to leverage and further develop cutting-edge digital tools, social solutions, and nature-based solutions (NBS) to create robust strategies for mitigating climate change and air pollution. These strategies will be crafted considering various factors such as governance, societal structures, and economic implications, ensuring a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.

Objectives

  • Comprehensive Monitoring and Assessment: Evaluating the dynamic relationship between air quality, health, and well-being under varying climate conditions.
  • Indicator Development: Creating and implementing indicators that align with responsible research and innovation (RRI), and the SDGs, providing measurable outcomes and benchmarks.
  • Ex-post Impact Analysis: Analyzing the project's effects on various societal aspects such as social inclusion, community empowerment, attitudes towards climate change and air pollution, and overall community well-being.

Demonstration Cities

  • Jinan and Qingdao, China: These cities will serve as key sites for implementing and testing the project's initiatives, particularly focusing on urban settings in fast developing countries.
  • Santiago, Chile: As a contrast, Santiago will provide insights into the project's application in different geographical and cultural contexts, enhancing the project's global relevance.

Key Approaches and Tools

  • European Digital Citizen Engagement Tools: Utilizing advanced digital platforms to engage citizens in China and Chile, enhancing public participation and awareness.
  • Chinese Ecological Monitoring Platforms: Implementing sophisticated sensor networks and big data analytics to monitor ecological changes and air quality in China.
  • Advanced Modeling Techniques: Deploying the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) and CityChem models, combined with machine learning algorithms and dose-response functions, to conduct in-depth analyses of environmental impacts on health.

Consortium

The project brings together a diverse array of partners, including researchers, local authorities, community groups, NGOs, and academic institutions. This collaborative approach is designed to foster societal ownership and empower stakeholders through active involvement and co-design of the project's initiatives.

Dacon – VOC-monitoring in working environment

Project

Dacon is a small production facility located in Baerum, west of Oslo, Norway. The main products are equipment for search and rescue designed for boats and maritime sector.

During the production, the company uses various types of plastic and plastic fabrics that are treated, melted and moulded into new products. This process gives emissions of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the working environment.

In this project, samples were taken during melting and burning of plastic materials, as well as in different locations in the production facility in Baerum.

All concentrations were below the threshold values given in Norwegian legislation.

VOC-monitoring at Hydrovolt, Fredrikstad

Project

Hydrovolt is a joint venture owned by Hydro (NO) and Northvolt (SE), and the company operates a battery recycling facility in Fredrikstad, S-E Norway.

The purpose of the NILU monitoring was to quantify the levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) at the Hydrovolt plant. The sampling took place at various steps throughout the production line.

The NILU technology to remove hydrogen fluoride (HF) was applied. If HF is not removed, HF can dissolve the TenaxTM sampling material and hence give erroneously high concentrations of VOCs.

There was also sampling of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrogen fluoride (HF), ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2), formic acid (HCOOH), and acetic acid (CH3COOH) using passive samplers.

The monitoring results will be sent to Norwegian authorities (County Governor) to document components emitted from the Hydrovolt facility.

For all practical purposes, the volume flow emitted from Hydrovolt is small (55 m3/h) and the total amount emitted is regarded as minor.

Diffuse emissions of dust from LKAB Narvik

Project

NILU has, on behalf of LKAB Norge AS, carried out emission and dispersion calculations for combined emissions from point sources and diffuse sources from the facility in Narvik. The purpose of the project was to develop dispersion calculations that indicate LKAB's contribution to the pollution situation in Narvik.

LKAB Norge AS in Narvik is responsible for loading iron ore from Sweden onto ships at LKAB's port in Narvik, as well as unloading additives for transport back to LKAB in Sweden. This process involves both controlled point source emissions and emissions from diffuse sources. Several factors, including correlation between loading activity and measured deposition, suggest that the loading and unloading operation is the most significant diffuse source.

The dispersion calculations have been conducted using FLEXPART-WRF, an atmospheric dispersion model based on meteorological data from the weather forecasting model WRF. FLEXPART models particles that follow the turbulent air movements of the atmosphere and are deposited on the surface through dry and wet deposition. In this analysis, total emissions are estimated on inverse calculations from  the relationship between measured and calculated dust deposition, rather than from generic emission factors such as the EEA/EMEP air pollutant emission inventory Guidebook (2019).

This, along with an assumption about the size distribution of dust emissions, yields a resulting field of ground concentrations for PM10 and PM2.5. The concentration field can be extracted from the model at the desired time and spatial resolution.

The figure shows three snapshots of the PM10 concentration field along with the temporal variation at a given point over a period in February. A full calendar year is calculated, providing annual mean, daily mean, and hourly mean concentrations.

[caption id="attachment_52069" align="alignnone" width="1171"] The figure shows three snapshots of the PM10 concentration field along with the temporal variation at a given point over a period in February. A full calendar year is calculated, providing annual mean, daily mean, and hourly mean concentrations.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_52067" align="aligncenter" width="1379"]LKAB LKAB in Narvik. Copyright: LKAB.[/caption]

Suburban dream vs. climate-friendly transport? Environmental sustainability of urban sprawl development of Polish cities

Project

Socio-economic growth has led to rapid urban development in Polish cities, and major and recurrent challenges have arisen linked to uncontrollable urban sprawl development (e.g., transport congestion, high traffic emissions).

This feedback relation is not properly understood by decision-makers, often due to missing evidence-based support.

We aim at developing an integrated framework for analyzing the nexus land use – transport – traffic emissions (LUTEm) associated with urban sprawl development in Polish cities by combining advanced multimodal transport planning and emission modelling.

The LUTEm framework will be applied to real-world case studies in Polish cities to

    1. underline negative effects induced by suburbanisation,
    2. assess intervention scenarios and
    3. formulate paths towards green transition in land-use-transport development in case-study cities.

The results will be a novel research support for decision-makers in understanding the land-use-transport interactions, and resultant traffic emissions to improve air quality and mitigate climate change.

To achieve this, we will perform transport modelling, where the effects of spatial development vs. transport system structures upon travel choices will be simulated.

The transport model will be integrated with a state-of-the-art model to estimate air pollutant and GHGs emissions to provide insights on the relationship between urban planning and environmental sustainability across the case-studies.

The LUTEm analysis will reveal co-beneficial interventions and measures to mitigate the negative urban sprawl consequences for traffic emissions, discussed then with city policymakers and stakeholders.

Climate response to a Bluer Arctic with increased newly-formed winter Sea ICe

Project

The scientific community still has no consensus on if and how Arctic warming and sea ice loss can influence weather and climate in the Northern Hemisphere. The BASIC project sets out to better understand the climate response to Arctic change, especially focusing on the new Arctic characterized by more open water in summer (hence bluer) and increased newly-formed sea ice in winter. This latter change has been mostly overlooked, but it has potentially profound climate impacts.

Sea ice change can affect the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) through modulating ocean salinity: AMOC is a large ocean current driven by the sinking of denser water in the northern North Atlantic. It carries tropic warm water into the North Atlantic and thus along the Norwegian coast, but has been weakened by the increase of freshwater due to long-term sea ice melting. As multi-year ice is decreasing rapidly, the recent and future increasing newly-formed ice may change such impacts.

A bluer Arctic may change the respective roles of Arctic Ocean temperature and sea ice in impacting climate. Model experiments have shown that the climate responses to an ice-free state are appreciably distinct from an ice-covered state. We expect that, before the Arctic reaches an ice-free state, Arctic sea ice may shrink stepwise and go through a threshold where ocean temperature takes over to impact climate. Identifying this threshold is important for climate prediction.

Bluer Arctic with increased newly-formed winter sea ice is concurrent with an Arctic warming extending downwards into ocean interior and upwards to mid-troposphere (~5 km). But the climate models have divergent abilities to simulate the observed deep Arctic warming, which caused debates in this field. BASIC will develop a new methodology to conquer this problem.

The BASIC project will analyze available observed and simulated datasets and run new experiments with the Norwegian Earth System Model to address the above issues.

Global snow depths from spaceborne remote sensing for permafrost, high-elevation precipitation, and climate reanalyses

Project

The SNOWDEPTH project will, as the first in the world, directly measure snow depths globally at high spatial resolution from freely available ICESat-2 NASA spaceborne laser altimetry data available since autumn 2018.

To generate global monthly snow depth maps, including for mountainous and forested areas, we will combine the ICESat-2-derived snow depths with Sentinel snow cover/depth data in an ensemble-based data assimilation (DA) framework.

This global snow depth data will fill a large data and knowledge gap within hydrology and cryosphere/climate sciences and is directly relevant for the three application cases within the project: permafrost, high-elevation precipitation and climate reanalysis. The project has two parts and is supported by field activities for ground reference.

In phase 1, we will develop algorithms to derive snow depths at two complementary scales:

  • local snow depths from ICESat-2 profiles that capture the high spatial variability in areas with small-scale topography, and
  • global snow depth maps with monthly temporal resolution, using DA methods.

In phase 2, we will use the derived snow depths within three application fields where they directly benefit to advance the state of the art:

  • Permafrost: include snow depths in an existing model framework to greatly improve modelling of the ground thermal regime, both locally at targeted field sites and at global scale. The current lack of snow depth data is a key bottleneck for permafrost modelling.
  • High-elevation precipitation: analyse how snow depths vary across orographic barriers to increase understanding of high-altitude precipitation processes. These are currently largely unconstrained due to lack of measurements.
  • Climate reanalysis: verify and improve operational and climate reanalysis products through cross-comparison and improved process understanding. In data-sparse areas, reanalysis products are less accurate and largely model-driven given the lack of observations.

Air pollution & distribution of related health impact and welfare in Nordic Countries

Project

Air pollution has serious impacts on human health, wellbeing and welfare. The main challenge is to understand how to regulate air pollution in an optimal way both on global and local scales.

The aim of the project is to link detailed information of the spatio-temporal distribution of air pollution levels with register data for mortality and morbidity in the Nordic countries to gain new understanding of the various health impacts from different kinds of air pollution from different sources.

This will provide the basic understanding needed for policy making of strategies to optimally reduce the air pollution challenge and to assess the related impacts on the distribution of health impacts and related societal costs and welfare.

The results from the project will be used in both a Nordic as well as global perspective to improve the health and welfare by finding the optimal solutions to societal and public health challenges from air pollution through high-quality research. The study will provide a Nordic contribution to international research on the topics of environmental equality and justice within the area of air quality related risks, amenities and wellbeing.

The project was coordinated by Aarhus University in collaboration with 16 partners from other Nordic countries:

Partners

The research collaboration will run for five years and has 16 partners from the Nordic countries.

The project is coordinated by Prof. Jørgen Brandt and Senior Scientist Camilla Geels, Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University.

All the partners:

Denmark

Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science (AU-ENVS) (all WPs)

Aarhus University, Department of Public Health (AU-DPH) (WP3)

Aarhus University, CIRRAU (AU-CIRRAU) (WP3)

Danish Cancer Society Research Center (DCRC) (WP3)

Finland

Finnish environment institute (SYKE) (WP1 & WP5)

Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) (WP2)

National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) (WP3 & WP4)

Sweden

Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) (WP1 & WP2)

Umeå University (UMU) (WP3)

Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd. (IVL) (WP4)

Norway

Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) (WP1)

Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) (WP5)

Vista Analysis (Vista) (WP4)

Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) (WP3)

Iceland

The National University Hospital/University of Iceland (Landspitali) (WP3)

University of Iceland (UI) (WP1 and WP2)

Boliden – Diffuse emissions from unloading of zinc concentrate

Project

Diffuse emissions from the unloading of zinc (Zn) concentrate in Odda, Western Norway have been quantified using an inverse modelling approach.

Eleven deposition samplers were strategically placed around the plant with sampling period of six months, approximately one month exposure time. Metal content of deposited material in the samplers were analyzed by mass spectrometry.

The gaussian deposition model CONDEP, driven by wind data measured on site, was applied to estimate emissions of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and copper (Cu). These emission estimates were then used to calculate deposition onto water surfaces.

The emission rate of Zn was estimated to be 19 (between 7 and 36) g per ton unloaded mass, equivalent to 214 (150‑300) kg per 30 days. Of the total mass emitted, 40% (27-45%) were estimated deposited onto water, equivalent to 89 (40‑140) kg per 30 days.

Dispersion modeling of air pollution from Årdal Metallverk

Project

NILU has studied the effect of aluminum production on the environment around Norwegian aluminum smelters by doing calculations and measurements since the early 1970s.

In this project, surface concentrations have been calculated for SO2, dust and fluorides, as well as the metal components listed in the emission permit close to the smelter in Årdal, Western Norway.

The calculations are based on a conservative methodology (CONDEP) and the emission inventories are taken from the emissions permit as a worst-case assessment.

The mapping provides answers as to whether there is a risk of certain pollution components being exceeded, or whether the emissions indicate ground concentrations below the current limit values.

For example, the results show that the limit values for SO2 around the plant will not be exceeded by a good margin.

Copernicus Climate Change Service Evolution

Project

The CERISE project kicked-off January 1 2023. It aims to enhance the quality of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reanalysis and seasonal forecast portfolio, with a focus on land-atmosphere coupling.

It will support the evolution of C3S by improving the C3S climate reanalysis and seasonal prediction systems and products towards enhanced integrity and coherence of the C3S Earth system Essential Climate Variables.

CERISE will develop new and innovative coupled land-atmosphere data assimilation approaches and land initialisation techniques to pave the way for the next generations of the C3S reanalysis and seasonal prediction systems.

These developments will include innovative work on observation operators using Artificial Intelligence to ensure optimal data fusion integrated in coupled assimilation systems. They will enhance the exploitation of Earth system observations over land surfaces, including from the Copernicus Sentinels and from the European Space Agency Earth Explorer missions, moving towards an all-sky and all-surface approach.

CERISE Research and Innovation will bring the C3S tools beyond the state-of-the-art in the areas of coupled land-atmosphere data assimilation, observation operators, and land initialisation methodologies.

CERISE will develop diagnostic tools and prediction skill metrics that include integrated hydrological variables to go beyond the traditional skill scores to assess Earth system coupled reanalysis and seasonal prediction. It will deliver proof-of-concept prototypes and demonstrators, to demonstrate the feasibility of the integration of the developed approaches in the operational C3S.

The CERISE outputs aim at medium to long-term upgrades of the C3S systems with targeted progressive implementation in the next three years and beyond. CERISE will improve the quality and consistency of the C3S reanalysis and multi-system seasonal prediction, directly addressing the evolving user needs for improved and more consistent C3S Earth system products.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3030/101082139

Norwegian initiative for EarthCARE Validation of Aerosol uncertainties and Radiation products in the Arctic

Project

The “Norwegian initiative for EarthCARE Validation of Aerosol uncertainties and Radiation products in the Arctic” (NEVAR) project aims at supporting the geophysical validation of the EarthCARE data products.

The EarthCARE (Earth Clouds Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) mission is developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA).

Its main goal is improving the understanding of cloud-aerosol-radiation interactions and Earth radiative balance, so that they can be modelled with better reliability in climate and in numerical weather prediction models.

EarthCARE will carry four instruments:

  • ATLID (Atmospheric Lidar),
  • BBR (Broad-Band Radiometer),
  • CPR (Cloud Profiling Radar) and
  • MSI (Multi-Spectral Imager)

and will provide numerous data products, namely forty-four ESA products and eleven JAXA products. The launch is expected for April 2024.

For an overview of the EarthCARE mission see:

The NEVAR project was kicked-off 11 November 2022. It aims at supporting the geophysical validation of the EarthCARE data products. It is split in two phases:

  1. Preparatory support activities, which start now and lasting for 18 months, and
  2. EarthCARE validation activities, which will be kicked-off 9 months before launch and will end three years after launch.

The main goals and objectives of the NEVAR proposal:

  • To inventory instrumental and institutional capabilities in Arctic countries, and to engage these in the validation of EarthCARE.
  • To contribute to the formulation of best practice validation protocols for aerosol and cloud profiles.
  • To perform a global assessment of aerosol and uncertainty products from EarthCARE.
  • To evaluate radiation products for selected location in the Arctic.

Schools of a good climate – construction of educational green zones in primary schools no. 1 and no. 4 in Kozienice to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects

Project

The GeenZone project aims to i) strengthen the resilience in the schools to the negative effects of climate change; ii) raise students and teachers' awareness of climate change; and iii) reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local community level. To do so, the project will implement various nature-based solutions (NBS) in two schools and one public space in the city of Kozienice, including:

  1. Construction of permeable ground surfaces for water retention and managing rainwater
  2. Implementing green walls, planting appropriate non-invasive plants and fruit trees
  3. Building eco-educational space
  4. Developing educational paths and didactic gardens
  5. Creating eco-gardens, building houses for animals

In addition, various educational and awareness raising activities will be carried out, including:

  1. Awareness raising campaigns via various social media towards public
  2. Activation of the schools and local communities through direct engagement in the implementation of the NBS
  3. Training and educational activities towards schools’ teachers and students
Logo INQUIRE

Identification of chemical and biological determinants, their sources, and strategies to promote healthier homes in Europe

Project

Enabling homes to realise zero pollution holds multiple health benefits for all Europeans – especially our children. This is the goal of the EU-funded INQUIRE project.

It will provide the knowledge, tools and measures needed to significantly enhance indoor air quality. Research on hazardous determinants and their sources, risk factors and effects will focus in particular on infants and young children up to 5 years old.

The work will include non-invasive sampling and monitoring of over 200 homes in eight countries over the course of 1 month. Results will inform evidence-based recommendations and support beneficial exploitation by industry and policymakers.

DOI 10.3030/101057499

 

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Autonomous Multi-Format In-Situ Observation Platform for Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Methane Monitoring in Permafrost & Wetlands

Project

Climate warming is driven by increased concentrations of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) e.g., CO2 and CH4, in the atmosphere. Existing observatories are able to capture GHG information for large-scale global assessments, but short-term natural variability and climate-driven changes in atmospheric CO2 and CH4 remain less known. There is also currently a lack of sufficiently precise, autonomous, and cost-efficient GHG sensors for GHG monitoring at sufficient spatial scale, and in hard-to-reach areas.

MISO will develop and demonstrate an autonomous in-situ observation platform for use in hard to reach areas (Arctic, wetlands), for detecting and quantifying carbon dioxide and methane gasses, using a combination of stationary and mobile (drone) solutions and requiring minimum on-site intervention when deployed.

To achieve this objective, MISO will improve detection limit and accuracy of a NDIR GHG sensor, which will then be used in three observing platforms (a static tower, a static chamber and a UAV-mounted sensor) operated with the help of a central base unit. All elements will be designed for operation in harsh environments and with minimum human intervention. The static observatories will be powered by a unique geothermal device.

Communication between the three observatories and a data cloud will use a combination of P2P, G4/G5/LTE, LORAWAN and wifi technologies. The specifications of the platform will be co-developed with stakeholders from academia, monitoring and measurement systems, industry and policy.

A clear DCE strategy and focus on short-term impact management and medium and long-term commercialization will target several user groups including industries and representatives of main monitoring systems and infrastructures (e.g., ICOS). This will support innovative governance models and science-based policy design, implementation and monitoring. Sustainability performance and competitiveness in the domains covered by HE Cluster 6 will be enhanced.

Project DOI: https://doi.org/10.3030/101086541