Uncertainty evaluation in air quality planning decisions: a case study for Northern Italy

C. Carnevale , J. Douros (1) , G. Finzi , A. Graff , G. Guariso , Z. Nahorski , E. Pisoni (2) , J.L. Ponche , Elsa Real (3) , E. Turrini , C. Vlachokostas (1)

1 Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
2 IES - JRC Institute for Environment and Sustainability
3 INERIS - Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques

In recent years, evaluating the robustness of environmental models results has become essential in order to effectively support decision makers to define suitable emission control strategies. This evaluation is performed in literature through uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. Therefore, the application of such methodologies to air quality Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) is extremely challenging. In fact, in this case uncertainty and sensitivity analyses should be assessed not only for each single component of the system, but also for the overall IAM. In the paper, an attempt is made to extend and systematize the information available on uncertainty/sensitivity analysis, at first considering environmental models in general, and then focusing on air quality IAMs. The study aims to offer a tentative framework addressed to modelers and decision makers in the implementation of IAM and evaluation of its results. The framework has been tested on Lombardy region (Northern Italy). The results show how the uncertainty on Drivers of emissions propagates on the whole modelling chain characterizing an integrated assessment study.

Mots clés: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT MODELS; UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS; SENSITIVITY; ANALYSIS; AIR QUALITY

Domaines: Sciences de l'environnement

C. Carnevale, J. Douros, G. Finzi, A. Graff, G. Guariso, et al.. Uncertainty evaluation in air quality planning decisions: a case study for Northern Italy. Environmental Science & Policy, 2016, 65, pp.39-47. ⟨10.1016/j.envsci.2016.02.001⟩. ⟨ineris-01854114⟩