Summary of recent progress and recommendations for future research regarding air pollution sources, processes, and impacts in the Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Mediterranean atmospheric pollution sources, processes, and impacts are summarized in this chapter. The companion Volume 1 describes the context and the distribution of gaseous and particulate pollutants. The present volume is composed of six sections that make the synthesis of our knowledge on air pollutant sources (Part V), atmospheric chemical processes (VI), aerosol properties (VII), atmospheric deposition fluxes (VIII), and the impacts of air pollution on the chemical composition of precipitation and climate (IX) and on human health and ecosystems (X). The conclusions presented in this volume demonstrate large variety of impacts of air pollution on the environment in the Mediterranean, including the impacts on human health, ecosystems, and climate. Accurate emission evaluation of gaseous and particulate pollutants and understanding of their chemical transformation are critical for representation and prediction of atmospheric pollution and climate change in this region. Long-term observations of physical and chemical parameters describing atmospheric composition together with climate variables are essential to constrain models and to better quantify interactions between climate change and air quality. Addressing the impacts of pollution and supporting mitigation measures require holistic and integrated approach to the related studies, putting together scientific communities working on atmosphere, on health, as well as on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.