JNCC and partners launched a web-based Air Pollution
Information System (APIS) in June. It provides
freely-available information on air pollution and its effects on
ecosystems.
For hundreds of years some of our
activities have been causing environmental damage by polluting the
air. In the past much of this damage was caused by acid
deposition ('acid rain') but the past few decades have seen
dramatic reductions in the emissions of the major pollutants
sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Whilst acidification of
our freshwaters and terrestrial ecosystems remains of concern and
recovery may take decades, perhaps the greatest current threats
come from nitrogen deposition and increased ozone
concentrations.
APIS was developed in partnership by the UK conservation
agencies and environment agencies together with the Scotland
and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) and
the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH). It is an
excellent example of collaboration between different government
agencies and the research community.
APIS has been developed primarily as a support tool for staff
in the UK conservation and environment agencies for assessing the
potential effects of air pollutants on habitats and species. As
such, it aims to enable a consistent approach to air pollution
assessment across the UK and will assist the agencies fulfil their
obligations under the Habitats Regulations and Pollution Prevention
and Control Regulations.
Other potential users include industry, local authorities,
non-governmental organisations and universities or anyone
interested in finding out more about air pollution effects on
wildlife.
- Habitat and species responses to different air pollutants;
- Legislation and international commitments;
- Critical loads and levels;
- Deposition and concentration data;
- Simple site based screening assessment;
- Bio-monitoring methods.
For more information on APIS, contact:
Clare Whitfield, Air Pollution Adviser and Network
Officer
Tel: +44 (0) 1733 866804
Email: