A multi-model assessment of the co-benefits of climate mitigation for global air quality

Rao, S., Klimont, Z. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2630-198X, Leitao, J., Riahi, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7193-3498, van Dingenen, Rita, Reis, L.A., Calvin, K., Dentener, F., Drouet, L., Fujimori, S., Harmsen, M., Luderer, G., Heyes, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5254-493X, Strefler, J., Tavoni, M., & van Vuuren, D.P. (2016). A multi-model assessment of the co-benefits of climate mitigation for global air quality. Environmental Research Letters 11 (12) e124013. 10.1088/1748-9326/11/12/124013.

Preview	Text Rao_2016_Environ._Res._Lett._11_124013.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (2MB) | Preview
Preview	Text erl124013_suppdata.pdf - Supplemental Material Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (656kB) | Preview

Abstract

We present a model comparison study that combines multiple integrated assessment models with a reduced-form global air quality model to assess the potential co-benefits of global climate mitigation policies in relation to the World Health Organization (WHO) goals on air quality and health. We include in our assessment, a range of alternative assumptions on the implementation of current and planned pollution control policies. The resulting air pollution emission ranges significantly extend those in the Representative Concentration Pathways. Climate mitigation policies complement current efforts on air pollution control through technology and fuel transformations in the energy system. A combination of stringent policies on air pollution control and climate change mitigation results in 40% of the global population exposed to PM levels below the WHO air quality guideline; with the largest improvements estimated for India, China, and Middle East. Our results stress the importance of integrated multisector policy approaches to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Actions (login required)

View Item