Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting -

AIR QUALITY MONITORING AND FORECASTING

Tool description

The Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting tool provides a cost-effective and scalable solution for cities to track, estimate, and forecast urban air pollution levels. In densely populated areas - where transport and industrial activity are concentrated - air pollution can significantly impact public health, environmental quality, and economic resilience.

This tool integrates satellite data, traffic records, and meteorological information to build detailed, localized air quality datasets. These datasets are used to estimate current concentrations of key pollutants, forecast future air quality based on weather predictions, and map the spatial distribution of pollution across urban areas. By making this information publicly accessible, the tool empowers both local authorities and citizens to make informed decisions, contributing to healthier and more equitable urban environments.

Objectives

Integrate satellite, traffic, and weather data for real-time air quality insights
Estimate pollutant concentrations across different city zones
Forecast air pollution levels based on meteorological trends
Identify major pollution sources and their spatial distribution
Inform urban design, transport policies, and health interventions

Expected Impact

Improved public health: Helps citizens - especially vulnerable groups - adapt their daily activities based on pollution forecasts
Better city planning: Guides decisions on traffic regulation, green zones, and mobility infrastructure
Enhanced environmental protection: Enables targeted emissions-reduction strategies and long-term sustainability goals

How the tool supports cities' pathways towards climate action?

In Lisbon, the tool is used as an intelligent decision-support system for both local communities and government authorities. It helps guide interventions to reduce pollution and supports the city’s overarching goals. In terms of carbon neutrality, the tool enables precise mapping of pollution sources and patterns, helping the city identify priority areas for emissions reduction. For a just transition, the tool ensures that air quality data is openly accessible, including to marginalized communities, promoting more equitable urban transformation.

In Zagreb, the tool also plays a central role in advancing the city’s climate neutrality and just transition strategies. It helps monitor pollution patterns across districts, allowing the city to prioritize action where it’s most needed. The tool promotes transparency by ensuring all community members have access to air quality information and supports the development of data-driven citywide emissions strategies.

Partners involved

Contact details

Giacomo Blanco
giacomo.blanco@linksfoundation.com

Dr. Claudio Rossi
claudio.rossi@linksfoundation.com

More information at

Blanco, L. Barco, L. Innocenti and C. Rossi, "Urban Air Pollution Forecasting: a Machine Learning Approach leveraging Satellite Observations and Meteorological Forecasts”, https://doi.org/10.1109/MetroLivEnv60384.2024.10615605

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This project has received funding from the Horizon Innovation Actions under the grant agreement n° 101096405.