Decision Support - Stage 2

01 Define your decision support process

Armed with your decision support approach developed at the end of Stage 1, define a process to shift from information gathering and education (Stage 1) to control strategy identification and no-regrets measure implementation (Stage 2).   Here it will help to start by reviewing and assessing what comparable jurisdictions have done to address air pollution.  As a starting point, you can quickly review available (global) literature to understand source apportionments for comparable situations   including precursors of secondary PM.  A review of the literature can help to identify source sectors that likely to offer no-regret measures that are commonly used globally and that are potentially relevant in the region. Beyond a review of likely sources, you should define a process to assess your jurisdiction's sectors, prioritizing a few of the key contributing sectors (This may have been decided in your Stage 1 approach, i.e. whether to develop an integrated climate and AQ Action plan or to tack on measures to your NDC, etc). Work with stakeholders to agree on assessment data and methods to make the case for no-regrets action in one or more sectors, while Stage 2 air quality monitoring, inventory and source attribution efforts are underway. 

02 Develop an assessment plan

Review your Key Category analysis developed as part of the Emissions Inventory Guidance for Stage 1 (Step 8) for the potential priority sectors. Based on your Stage 1 data gathering efforts, you may be able to identify key gaps in data availability. Considering staffing/budget, sectors, data availability, and near-term objectives, develop an assessment plan to conduct sector assessments and identify and prioritize potential actions. Academic partnerships may be a good option to provide support if you are short-staffed. Local or government research institutions may have additional data to fill gaps. Monitoring agencies may help to identify objectives for specific sectoral policies.

03 Understand multisectorality, identify and prioritize potential no-regrets action.

What most non-AQM professionals may not realize is that air pollution is almost universally caused by the combined contributions from several sectors. It is very tempting to pick one sector that is perceived as contributing most of the air pollution and to 'crack down' on that one sector. While you may need to start with a single sector for practical reasons, it is important to understand that multi-sector action is needed eventually and to build preparations for a multi-sector action plan into your planning efforts. Many no-regrets measures (measures with no downsides that generate significant positive impact, regardless of reason for undertaking them) can be explored and implemented even prior to definitive source apportionment and cost-effectiveness analyses that may be completed in Stage 3. Develop your assessment plan by reviewing the tools and data needed to undertake sector-specific actions in the transportation, residential energy, waste and agriculture sectors (Steps 4-7 below) and designate staff and relevant stakeholders to agree on a process for reviewing potential "no-regrets" actions in each sector (Refer to Public Engagement and Communications Stage 2, Step 8 and Stage 3, Step 4). 

04 Select and use tools that can inform transportation policies

Compile a zero-order assessment of emissions from the transportation sector and its likely contribution to PM2.5, and assess the applicability and potential benefits of relevant no-regret measures this sector. 

05 Select and use tools that can inform clean cooking/heating policies

Compile a zero-order assessment of emissions from the residential energy sector and its likely contribution to PM2.5, and assess the applicability and potential benefits of relevant no-regret measures this sector.

06 Select and use tools that can inform solid waste policies

Compile a zero-order assessment of emissions from the solid waste sector and its likely contribution to PM2.5, and assess the applicability and potential benefits of relevant no-regret measures this sector.

07 Select and use tools that can inform agricultural policies

Compile a zero-order assessment of emissions from the agriculture sector and its likely contribution to PM2.5 (including crop residue burning, fertilizer application, livestock husbandry or road/crop dust), and assess the applicability and potential benefits of relevant no-regret measures this sector. If your jurisdiction suffers from forest burning either from agricultural clearing practices or from wildfire, investigate fire management practices that can reduce these episodic impacts.

08 Translate results into useful information for decision makers and the public

Translating your justification for emission reduction strategies into clear, accessible language is crucial for fostering public understanding and engagement. Effective communication ensures that non-experts can grasp the significance of air quality regulations (e.g. emissions do not necessarily equal concentrations and that different pollutants have different health impacts), helping to demystify complex scientific concepts and processes. By using straightforward terminology and relatable examples, policymakers can convey the health, environmental, and economic impacts of air pollution, making the information relevant to everyday life.
Engaging visuals, infographics, and brief summaries can enhance comprehension further, making it easier for the public to absorb essential information. When communities understand the rationale behind air pollution policies, they are more likely to support and participate in initiatives aimed at improving air quality. Additionally, informed citizens can advocate for better practices and hold policymakers accountable. Overall, ensuring that communication materials are user-friendly fosters a more informed public, driving collective action toward cleaner air and healthier communities.

09 Develop proposals to improve quality of data for key sectors

Effective data collection is essential for effective air quality management. Start by improving your emissions inventory through accurate reporting and verification of local sources, emphasizing improvements in residential and waste emissions data that are typically not as well covered by national energy statistics (See Inventory Guidance Stage 2, Step 6). Enhance air quality monitoring by deploying a mix of regulatory and other techniques to capture real-time data (See Air Quality Monitoring Stage 2, Steps 2, 4 and 5). Developing local source profiles will help identify specific pollutant sources and their contributions, aiding targeted interventions (See Source Attribution Stage 2, Step 8). Additionally, gather local data on the costs of control technologies, assessing the economic feasibility of various strategies. This comprehensive data framework will enable informed decision-making and effective resource allocation for air quality management initiatives.

10 Recruit, train and plan with partners and academics to establish multisector assessment tools

Training air quality management staff and partners on multi-sector assessment tools is vital for informed decision-making. Start by providing foundational knowledge on integrated assessment models (IAMs), cost-benefit analysis, and cost-effectiveness methods, emphasizing their importance in evaluating policy impacts. Use practical case studies to illustrate how these tools can inform air quality strategies and prioritize interventions. Encourage interactive workshops to foster collaborative learning, allowing participants to apply the tools to real-world scenarios. Regularly update training materials to reflect new developments and methodologies. This comprehensive training will enhance analytical skills and promote effective cross-sector collaboration in air quality management efforts.