Sustainable Development Benefits Assessment – Curated Guidance for Stage 1 Assess where you are in sustainable development benefits assessment to determine which stage you are in and identify the key activities you need to undertake as an air quality manager to go to the next stage. The guidance below is for Stage 1. Additional guidance for Stages 2 through 5 is being developed for future iterations of AQMx. StageCapacityData availabilityObjectivesActivitiesSustainability Plan01.No specific staff dedicated to impact assessmentsNone/limitedInitial assessment of impacts of air pollution on the environment using global toolsUse global tools to estimate for instance crop yield losses for agriculturee.g. FASST, DO3SE toolsNo central budget or resourcesSome donor-dependent studies02.1 staff focused on this role half-timeSome basic training on sustainable development benefits assessment methodsInput data gathered for key sectorsSome air quality data availableDevelop sector specific assessments using tools adapted to local jurisdictionUse simple spreadsheet modelsUse sector specific calculators to assess for instance crop losses due to ambient air pollution or ecosystem services loss due to acidificationCentral in-kind support for data gatheringDonor-dependent studies03.2-3 staff focusing on sustainable development benefits assessmentNational modeling capacity with occasional supportInput data gathered for key sectorsRobust air quality dataNational modelling frameworkDevelop additional sector specific assessments using tools adapted to local jurisdictionUse sector specific calculators to assess for instance critical loads, visibility lossFunded centrally in collaboration with regional air quality modelling04.4-5 staff focusing on sustainable development benefits assessmentNational modeling capacity, fully independentInput data gathered for all sectorsRobust air quality dataNational modelling frameworkConduct specific studies with a linkage to monetization / valuation frameworkNatural capital accounting and monetized environmental benefits Funded centrally in collaboration with national economic modelling05.5-10 staff focusing on sustainable development benefits assessmentsAdvanced research capacity to develop new methods and refine tools Input data gathered for all sectorsNational modelling frameworkRobust air quality dataConduct specific studies of specific impact categoriesRefine existing tools to adapt to local context and jurisdictionDetailed studies for all impact categories, including biodiversityCentrally funded policy analysis department 01 Make a planThis guidance speaks to the value of the environment, natural habitats and biodiversity that also suffer from air pollution. Who speaks for the animals? What value is there for society in natural, wild spaces? These are questions that air quality management needs to address to help broaden the economic value of clean air programs. Start by getting a good overview of the process and data needs by learning about several aspects of valuing nature and the environment in the resources below. Natural capital accounting and the Sustainable Development Goals - Policy Briefing 2016 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Regenerative Agriculture - Annotated Bibliography 2019 Guidelines, Tools & Models Adis Abbaba Principles and Guidelines for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity 2004 Standards, Regulation, Legislation and Agreements Strengthening the Linkages Between Air Pollution and the Sustainable Development Goals 2016 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Previous Next Show Resources Hide Resources 02 Estimate impact on ecosystem servicesClean air and clean water occur naturally. Unfortunately, man-made emissions into the environment degrade nature’s ability to keep the air and water clean. A terrestrial ecosystem is conventionally viewed as an assemblage of living organisms interacting in a complex way with one another and with their environment, air, soil, and water. The process by which the natural biosphere, atmosphere, soil and the water cycle purify itself have a value that is degraded by air pollution. The tools below can help to assess the impact on the ecosystem services provided by natural systems. Manual for Integrated Monitoring 2022 Guidelines, Tools & Models Air quality in Europe 2022:Impacts of air pollution on ecosystems 2022 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments The global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem servicesSummary for policymakers - Global Assessment 2019 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments The global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem servicesSummary for policymakers - Global Assessment 2019 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Previous Next Show Resources Hide Resources 03 Understand the relevance of sustainable nitrogen managementNitrogen is naturally present in the atmosphere, soils and food crops. However, over the past 100 years, humans have converted nitrogen into many reactive nitrogen (Nr) forms, through fertilizer and munitions manufacturing and burning of fossil fuels. This has caused unprecedented changes to the global nitrogen cycle, leading to a doubling of the flow of nitrogen compounds around the world in the past 100 years. Nitrogen is important for plant growth and sufficient amounts are needed for plants to achieve optimum crop yields. However, about 80 per cent of nitrogen dispersed as fertilizer is lost from agriculture through leaching and run-off of nitrate or organic nitrogen and gaseous emissions to air (leading to secondary formation of PM2.5).The nitrogen that is lost to the environment has severe impacts on soils, air, freshwaters and has implications for climate and stratospheric ozone depletion. Changes to the chemical composition of surface waters from deposition of nitrogen, metals and many other chemicals have left many water bodies unable to provide the ecosystem services discussed in the previous step. Learn more about nitrogen impacts in the resources below. Guidance document on integrated sustainable nitrogen management 2021 Guidelines, Tools & Models The Nitrogen Fix: from Nitrogen Cycle Pollution to Nitrogen Circular Economy 2019 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Lecture 06: Impact of Air Pollution on Atmosphere, Soil and Water Bodies 2018 Online Training & Resources Previous Next Show Resources Hide Resources 04 Understand the relevance of natural capital impactsA standard framework for natural capital accounting developed by the United Nations and partner organizations describes several categories of natural capital accounts. One of these, ecosystem accounts, tracks the extent and condition of ecosystem assets and the flows of ecosystem services they provide to people and the economy. Learn more about natural capital accounting in the resources below. SEEA Ecosystem Accounting 2021 Guidelines, Tools & Models Natural capital accounting and the Sustainable Development Goals - Policy Briefing 2016 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments The Natural Capital HandbookA practical guide to corporate natural capital accounting, assessment, risk assessment and reporting 2023 Guidelines, Tools & Models Piloting Natural Capital Accounts for the United States 2022 Online Training & Resources Previous Next Show Resources Hide Resources 05 Understand the relevance of vegetation and soil carbon impactsReducing air pollution can lead to significant benefits for crops and soil carbon levels. Lower levels of pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter can improve crop yields by enhancing photosynthesis and reducing stress on plants. This can result in higher agricultural productivity and improved food security. Furthermore, decreased air pollution can also lead to a reduction in atmospheric deposition of pollutants on soil, which can help maintain soil health and fertility. Improved soil quality can enhance carbon sequestration, as healthier soils can store more carbon, leading to a positive impact on climate change mitigation. Overall, reducing air pollution not only benefits crop productivity and soil health but also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability, resilience, and environmental well-being in agricultural systems. DO3SE (Deposition of Ozone for Stomatal Exchange) model Guidelines, Tools & Models Monitoring Protocol - Recording the presence/absence of ozone injury on Sensitive Ozone Species ('SOS') using the ICP Vegetation smartphone app 2018 Guidelines, Tools & Models Volume 2: Recarbonizing global soils - A technical manual of recommended management practices - Hotspots and bright spots on soil organic carbon 2021 Guidelines, Tools & Models OSVALD (Ozone Symptom VALidation Database) Guidelines, Tools & Models Previous Next Show more Hide 06 Understand the relevance of visibility benefitsReducing air pollution has significant benefits for visibility, as fine particles degrade visual range. Enhanced visibility can positively impact tourism and bring economic benefits because clearer and more scenic views not only attract more visitors to destinations known for their natural beauty – boosting tourism and spending on recreational services – but also contribute to increased spending on accommodations, dining, and other local services. Additionally, clearer skies and better visibility conditions enhance flight safety, air traffic control operations, reduce delays, and increase capacity at airports. Introduction to Visibility Reports, Case Studies & Assessments How Air Pollution Affects the View (Brochure) 2006 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments The impact of air quality on tourism: a systematic literature review 2020 Scientific publications Out of Sight: The Science and Economics of Visibility Impairment 2000 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Previous Next Show more Hide 07 Understand the relevance of forest benefitsMitigating air pollution stress factors can support the long-term sustainability and vitality of forest ecosystems. Lower pollution levels can improve overall forest health by reducing damage to tree foliage, bark, and sensitive plant tissues caused by pollutants like ozone and nitrogen compounds.This can enhance forest resilience to environmental stressors, pests, and diseases, leading to stronger and more diverse forest ecosystems. Improved air quality can also promote the growth and regeneration of forest vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and understory plants. Healthy forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and helping maintain biodiversity. Furthermore, decreased air pollution can reduce acid rain and soil acidification, preserving soil quality and nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems. Effects of air pollution on forests 2023 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments i-Tree - Tools for Assessing and Managing Community Trees & Forests 2020 Guidelines, Tools & Models A Global Analysis of the Cost-Efficiency of Forest Carbon Sequestration Environment Working Paper No. 185 2021 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Previous Next Show more Hide 08 Understand the relevance of time savings and productivity enhancementAir pollution mitigation strategies can lead to significant time savings across various sectors. By reducing traffic congestion through measures like promoting public transportation, carpooling, and implementing emission controls, commute times can be shortened, resulting in less time spent on roads and highways. Improved air quality can also enhance visibility, reducing delays and disruptions in air, land, and sea transportation.Moreover, mitigating air pollution can lead to fewer health issues and sick days for both indoor and outdoor workers, boosting productivity in workplaces, schools and for outdoor workers. Reduced air pollution-related illnesses can result in lower healthcare costs and decreased time spent on medical visits and treatments. Cleaner cooking technologies, such as improved cookstoves and alternative fuels, can save significant time for women and girls who would otherwise spend hours collecting firewood, a task that can be physically demanding, time-consuming, and often hazardous. Gender and Livelihoods Impacts of Clean Cookstoves in South Asia (Odisha) 2014 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Air pollution and worker productivity 2023 Scientific publications Previous Next Show more Hide 09 Understand the relevance of climate benefitsSimultaneous mitigation of air pollution and climate change is facilitated by the fact that many emissions originate from common sources, such as industrial processes, transportation, and energy production. Many air pollutants, such as black carbon, methane, and tropospheric ozone, are also potent short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) that have warming effects on the atmosphere. By targeting these shared emission sources with integrated policies and strategies, jurisdictions can achieve dual benefits, effectively reducing both local air pollutants, GHG emissions and SLCPs in a more streamlined and coordinated manner. This synergistic approach not only enhances the efficiency of mitigation efforts but also may provide access to carbon finance for measures that have clean air benefits, highlighting the importance of addressing air quality and climate change in a holistic and integrated way. The Case for Action on Black Carbon Avoiding climate tipping points, building resilience and delivering clean air 2023 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Integrating Air Pollution and Short-Lived Climate Pollutants into Climate Change Transparency Frameworks: A Practical Guide 2023 Guidelines, Tools & Models Achieving Health Benefits from Carbon ReductionsManual for CaRBonH calculation tool 2018 Guidelines, Tools & Models Integrating Air Quality Management and Climate Change Mitigation: Achieving Ambitious Climate Action by Cleaning the Air We Breathe 2023 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Previous Next Show more Hide 10 Develop a valuation approachIf you choose to select specific environmental or other sustainable development benefits to value (i.e., ecosystem service, vegetation, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, visibility, traffic congestion mitigation, etc.), develop an approach for including this value within your air quality decision support and assessment framework (see Decision support guidance). This may range from specific quantitative estimates of impacts avoided or benefits yielded, monetized estimates of the value of those impacts based upon a valuation methodology or simply acknowledging the value qualitatively. Cost Estimation - Concept and Methodology 2017 Guidelines, Tools & Models Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analyses 2014 Guidelines, Tools & Models Guide to Assessing the Cost of Inaction of Tackling Air Pollution 2023 Guidelines, Tools & Models Climate-smart development : adding up the benefits of actions that help build prosperity, end poverty and combat climate change : Main report 2014 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments Previous Next Show more Hide Curated Guidance Developed by
Natural capital accounting and the Sustainable Development Goals - Policy Briefing 2016 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
Adis Abbaba Principles and Guidelines for the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity 2004 Standards, Regulation, Legislation and Agreements
Strengthening the Linkages Between Air Pollution and the Sustainable Development Goals 2016 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
Air quality in Europe 2022:Impacts of air pollution on ecosystems 2022 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
The global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem servicesSummary for policymakers - Global Assessment 2019 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
The global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem servicesSummary for policymakers - Global Assessment 2019 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
The Nitrogen Fix: from Nitrogen Cycle Pollution to Nitrogen Circular Economy 2019 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
Lecture 06: Impact of Air Pollution on Atmosphere, Soil and Water Bodies 2018 Online Training & Resources
Natural capital accounting and the Sustainable Development Goals - Policy Briefing 2016 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
The Natural Capital HandbookA practical guide to corporate natural capital accounting, assessment, risk assessment and reporting 2023 Guidelines, Tools & Models
Monitoring Protocol - Recording the presence/absence of ozone injury on Sensitive Ozone Species ('SOS') using the ICP Vegetation smartphone app 2018 Guidelines, Tools & Models
Volume 2: Recarbonizing global soils - A technical manual of recommended management practices - Hotspots and bright spots on soil organic carbon 2021 Guidelines, Tools & Models
Out of Sight: The Science and Economics of Visibility Impairment 2000 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
A Global Analysis of the Cost-Efficiency of Forest Carbon Sequestration Environment Working Paper No. 185 2021 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
Gender and Livelihoods Impacts of Clean Cookstoves in South Asia (Odisha) 2014 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
The Case for Action on Black Carbon Avoiding climate tipping points, building resilience and delivering clean air 2023 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
Integrating Air Pollution and Short-Lived Climate Pollutants into Climate Change Transparency Frameworks: A Practical Guide 2023 Guidelines, Tools & Models
Achieving Health Benefits from Carbon ReductionsManual for CaRBonH calculation tool 2018 Guidelines, Tools & Models
Integrating Air Quality Management and Climate Change Mitigation: Achieving Ambitious Climate Action by Cleaning the Air We Breathe 2023 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments
Climate-smart development : adding up the benefits of actions that help build prosperity, end poverty and combat climate change : Main report 2014 Reports, Case Studies & Assessments