Summary / objectives

 Atmospheric pollutants responsible of negative effects to human health, and green-house gases at the origin of climate change, are often originating from common sources. Control measures to mitigate climate change are not neutral in terms of atmospheric pollutants emissions, and vice-versa.

Today it is believed that a relevant evaluation of control measures efficiency to mitigate both phenomena should rely on a global approach, including not only their correlated effects but also their costs, in view of possible future integrated Policies.

This Conference organized by ENERO (European Network of Environmental Research Organisations-representing 12 Member States in 2007) allowed to make an exhaustive review on such complex issues with all involved stakeholders.

The conference involved the major actors of this topic in Europe, either at the European commission (Policy makers, Research managers of the Framework Programme and at JRC), and the main Research Organisations at national/regional levels. Emphasis has been put on the phenomena at a regional scale, including also metropolitan areas.

After describing observed effects, it is addressing the needs for research to overcome the identified knowledge gaps. New infrastructures under development, based on satellites observation (GMES), have been also presented.

Challenges in modelling of economic issues, resulting from control measures conceivable scenarios, have been presented and discussed.

A concluding Round Table gathered together Regions, Networks of Regions ERRIN (Research oriented) and EPRO ( Environment oriented), the EP Environment Committee, the European commission actors and national research Organisations involved in these topics.