Climate change and air pollution

Thema:
Climate and air quality

Limiting climate change and air pollution is perhaps society's greatest challenge. We can help achieve this. We’re developing methods to measure particulate matter, nitrogen, and greenhouse gases. And we're identifying the sources and effects of emissions. This enables companies and governments to take effective measures. In this way, we're playing a key role in initiating the climate transition.

In the Paris Agreement, climate goals were agreed upon worldwide. The Netherlands has promised a 49% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In addition, there’s a global and European desire to further reduce air pollution. There’s increasing scientific evidence of the harmful effects of air pollution – especially particulate matter – on health.

To achieve these goals, radical changes are needed worldwide, in the energy system, factories, buildings, traffic, and agriculture. Therefore, it’s important to know the origins of emissions, how they affect climate change and air pollution, and how we can effectively reduce them.

Effective against air pollution

We have many years of experience in mapping emissions in all sectors. By combining measurements, satellite data, and complex climate modelling, we can determine the sources and effects of emissions with ever greater precision. We can then advise and support companies and governments in reducing emissions. Examples include:

  • A greenhouse gas monitoring system: we’re developing methods and models to measure emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. For example, we’re working with international partners on a European monitoring system for greenhouse gases based on measurement and satellite data.
  • Getting to grips with sources of particulate matter: our 'particulate matter tool’ TOPAS (TNO Operational Source Apportionment Service) provides insight into the origin of particulate matter. TOPAS can explain why there’s a lot of particulate matter at certain locations and what the cause is. This allows precautionary measures to be taken.
  • Detailed mapping of nitrogen deposition: we map the deposition of nitrogen in vulnerable areas. Understanding eutrophication and acidification is important for maintaining biodiversity and productivity. Deposition maps help policymakers take the right measures against air pollution to protect these areas.

The Lotos-Euros model

The greatest societal challenges of our time are combating climate change and air pollution. The open source LOTOS-EUROS model allows us to make more reliable predictions of air quality. The video below explains the Lotos-Euros model.

Get inspired

13 resultaten, getoond 1 t/m 5

Climate change makes carbon sinks more vulnerable

Informatietype:
News
15 September 2022

In a new publication by ICOS, new data confirms that natural carbon sinks such as the ocean and forests are not stable.

Climate, air and sustainability

Informatietype:
Article

We are working on solutions to climate change, air quality, sustainability, and emission reduction issues for companies and governments.

Environmental modelling, sensing and analysis

Informatietype:
Article

With a multidisciplinary approach to measurement and detection, we specialise in researching harmful components in the environment. Read more.

Particulate matter, an elusive problem - but what is particulate matter?

Informatietype:
Insight
12 July 2022
Particulate matter is a catch-all term for everything floating in the air that is smaller than 10 mu. But what makes it so dangerous? Expert Paula explains.

A more effective particulate policy in five steps

Informatietype:
Insight
12 July 2022
The current particulate matter standard will not solve the problem. TNO gives policymakers a five-step plan to help them take action.