scholarly journals On the Mismatches between the Monetary and Social Values of Air Purification in the Colombian Andean Region: A Case Study

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1274
Author(s):  
Andres Suarez ◽  
Cesar Ruiz-Agudelo ◽  
Edisson Castro-Escobar ◽  
Gloria Y. Flórez-Yepes ◽  
Luis A. Vargas-Marín
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Air Purification ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Monetary Value ◽  
High Level ◽  
Contingent Valuation Methods ◽  
Social Importance

There is growing interest in air quality and air purification, due to current high pollution levels, their effects on human health, and implications for urban economies. Since the improvement of air quality carries important economic value, air-related benefits have been evaluated monetarily from two perspectives: the first relates to air quality improvements, while the second values air purification as an ecosystem function. This research opted for the second perspective, given that the study area (two Colombian municipalities) does not suffer from poor air quality conditions, but stakeholders prioritized this function as highly important to them. Contingent valuation methods were applied in order to identify the population’s probability of willingness to maintain the air purification function. Although individuals (n = 245) attribute a yearly monetary value of USD 1.5 million to air purification, it was found that, despite the high level of social importance that respondents assigned to air purification (mean = 4.7/5), this had no correlation with payment values (rho = 0.0134, p = 0.8350); that is, households do not really recognize the monetary value of all the benefits they receive or the benefits they would lose if the service suffers changes. Hence, it is posed that monetary values do not necessarily reflect the social importance that individuals assign to ecosystem services, and attention is called to the need to integrate social and monetary values into decision-making processes, so as to encompass the complexity of ecosystem services and conciliate conflicting valuation language.

scholarly journals Effect of Air Purifier Use in the Classrooms on Indoor Air Quality—Case Study

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1606
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Basińska ◽  
Michał Michałkiewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Ratajczak
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Air Purification ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Microscopic Fungi ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Air Purifier ◽  
High Level

Dissatisfaction with indoor air quality is common even in relatively new or renovated Polish school buildings. To improve air quality in educational buildings, portable devices have seen increased use, for which manufacturers guarantee a high level of indoor air purification. However, their optimized operation largely depends on their correct use. The aim of this article was to determine the effectiveness of air purification in a primary school using an air purification device with an analysis of the classroom indoor air quality (IAQ). Two criteria were used, microbiological and particulate matter concentration. Measurements were made before device installation and during its continuous operation, and before and after lessons on chosen days. Measurements related to IAQ did not detect clear differences in the analyzed measurement periods. For microbiological contamination, in the morning before lessons, the total count for all bacteria and microscopic fungi was definitely lower than after lessons. Comparing the periods before and after device installation, no clear tendency for reducing the bacteria count or microscopic fungi occurred during air purifier operation, nor was there any noticeable trend in the reduction of particulate matter. There was no improvement in air quality in the classrooms during the operation of the purification devices.

scholarly journals Economic value of ecosystem services in Protected Landscape Areas in the Czech Republic

Beskydy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 99-112
Author(s):  
Jan Daněk ◽  
David Vačkář ◽  
Eliška Krkoška Lorencová
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Odra River ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Social Importance

This study aims to explore spatially explicit economic values of ecosystem services provided by ecosystems and habitats in 25 Protected Landscape Areas (PLAs) in the Czech Republic, with a more detailed overview of three selected PLAs (Beskids Mountains, Český les Mountains and Odra River Basin). In the methodology, combination of the Consolidated Layer of Ecosystems of the Czech Republic (CLES) and the EKOSERV database allowed us to utilize the ecosystem and economic valuation data in a specific geographic context using a GIS-based approach. The total value of ecosystem services in all 25 PLAs reached € 51 billion/year, with the surface area significantly influencing the total average value of a particular PLA. When transformed to value per unit area, the values varied from €1.2 to €6.5 million/km2/year. The results suggest a dominant role of forest ecosystems in the composition of the economic value provided by ecosystem services in the PLAs. Economic valuation of benefits provided by protected areas can help to realize the social importance of these sites and to support policy and decision-making processes.

scholarly journals Air Pollution Reduction and Mortality Benefit during the COVID-19 Outbreak in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Chen ◽  
Meng Wang ◽  
Conghong Huang ◽  
Patrick L. Kinney ◽  
Paul T. Anastas
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Pollution Reduction ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
Mortality Benefit ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Specific Mortality ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

To control the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, China undertook stringent traffic restrictions and self-quarantine measures. We herein examine the change in air pollution levels and the potentially avoided cause-specific mortality during this massive population quarantine episode. We found that, due to the quarantine, NO2 dropped by 22.8 µg/m3 and 12.9 µg/m3 in Wuhan and China, respectively. PM2.5 dropped by 1.4 µg/m3 in Wuhan but decreased by 18.9 µg/m3 across 367 cities. Our findings show that interventions to contain the COVID-19 outbreak led to air quality improvements that brought health benefits which outnumbered the confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 in China

scholarly journals Potential health benefits of sustained air quality improvements in New York City: A simulation based on air pollution levels during the COVID-19 shutdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 193 ◽  
pp. 110555
Author(s):  
Frederica Perera ◽  
Alique Berberian ◽  
David Cooley ◽  
Elizabeth Shenaut ◽  
Hollie Olmstead ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
New York City ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
York City ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Simulation Based

The Value of Private Non-Industrial Forestland for Wildlife Species Conservation

EDIS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelly A. Johnson ◽  
Timm Kroeger ◽  
Josh Horn ◽  
Alison E. Adams ◽  
Damian C. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Fact Sheet ◽  
Monetary Value ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Wildlife Viewing ◽  
Animal Habitat

Animals in Florida provide a variety of benefits to people, from recreation (fishing, hunting, or wildlife viewing) to protection of human life and property (oysters and corals provide reef structures that help protect coasts from erosion and flooding). By measuring the economic value of these benefits, we can assign a monetary value to the habitats that sustain these species and assess the value that is lost when development or other human-based activities degrade animal habitat. This 5-page fact sheet presents the results of a study that assessed the value of protecting five animal species in Florida and showed the economic value of protecting animal habitat.

IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS ROLE IN MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION DEVELOPMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 779-783
Author(s):  
Victor A. Ognev ◽  
Anna A. Podpriadova ◽  
Anna V. Lisova
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Biological Factors ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
High Level ◽  
Social Importance ◽  
The Impact

Introduction:The high level of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease is largely due toinsufficient influence on the main risk factors that contribute to the development of myocardial infarction.Therefore, a detailed study and assessment of risk factors is among the most important problems of medical and social importance. The aim: To study and evaluate the impact of biological, social and hygienic, social and economic, psychological, natural and climatic risk factors on the development of myocardial infarction. Materials and methods: A sociological survey was conducted in 500 people aged 34 to 85. They were divided into two groups. The main group consisted of 310 patients with myocardial infarction. The control group consisted of 190 practically healthy people, identical by age, gender and other parameters, without diseases of the cardiovascular system. Results: It was defined that 30 factors have a significant impact on the development of myocardial infarction.Data analysis revealed that the leading risk factors for myocardial infarction were biological and socio-hygienic. The main biological factors were: hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. The man socio-hygienic factor was smoking. Conclusions: Identification of risk factors provides new opportunities for the development of more effective approaches for the prevention and treatment of myocardial infarction.

Climate change assessment impacts on the coastal area of Maliakos Gulf, Greece

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1235-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Mentzafou ◽  
A. Conides ◽  
E. Dimitriou
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Coastal Area ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Wetland Loss ◽  
Mitigation Planning ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Climate Change Assessment ◽  
Adaptation And Mitigation

Abstract Coastal ecosystems are linked to socio-economic development, but simultaneously, are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change and sea level rise (SLR). Within this scope, detailed topographic data resources of Spercheios River and Maliakos Gulf coastal area in Greece, combined with information concerning the economic value of the most important sectors of the area (wetland services, land property, infrastructure, income) were employed, so as to examine the impacts of three SLR scenarios, compiled based on the most recent regional projections reviewed. Based on the results, in the case of 0.3 m, 0.6 m and 1.0 m SLR, the terrestrial zone to be lost was estimated to be 6.2 km2, 18.9 km2 and 31.1 km2, respectively. For each scenario examined, wetlands comprise 68%, 41% and 39% of the total area lost, respectively, reflecting their sensitivity to even small SLR. The total economic impact of SLR was estimated to be 75.4 × 106 €, 161.7 × 106 € and 510.7 × 106 € for each scenario, respectively (3.5%, 7.5% and 23.7% of the gross domestic product of the area), 19%, 17% and 8% of which can be attributed to wetland loss. The consequences of SLR to the ecosystem services provided are indisputable, while adaptation and mitigation planning is required.

The value of ecosystem services

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linus Blomqvist ◽  
R. David Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
International Institutions ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Opportunity Costs ◽  
Monetary Value ◽  
Pollution Treatment ◽  
Diminishing Returns

This chapter investigates whether the growing enthusiasm for ecosystem services recently expressed by conservation NGOs and international institutions is supported by evidence. Ecosystem services—the benefits humans receive from nature—have become the darlings of conservation on the assumption that the valuation of selected services may justify protecting land. A critical examination of a random sample of monetary valuations for regulating ecosystem services such as pollution treatment, finds that only onethird can be considered reliable, and that only ten percent of monetary value estimates can be transferred to other contexts. This suggests that the overall evidence base for assigning monetary value to nature is limited. Furthermore, diminishing returns, high opportunity costs, and technological substitutes might limit the amount of conservation that can be justified on the basis financial assessments of ecosystem services. As such, this chapter concludes that ecosystem services as a conservation strategy should not be embraced uncritically.

scholarly journals Association of temporary Environmental Protection Agency regulation suspension with industrial economic viability and local air quality in California, United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Chang ◽  
Kenneth Zhang ◽  
Margaret Paczkowski ◽  
Sara Kohler ◽  
Marco Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Treatment Control ◽  
Oil Refineries ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background This study seeks to answer two questions about the impacts of the 2020 Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement regulation rollbacks: is this suspension bolstering the economic viability of industries as oil and manufacturing executives claim they will and are these regulations upholding the agency’s mission of protecting the environment? Results To answer the former question, we utilized 6 months of state employment level data from California, United States, as a method of gauging the economic health of agency-regulated industries. We implemented a machine learning model to predict weekly employment data and a t-test to indicate any significant changes in employment. We found that, following California's state-issued stay-at-home order and the agency’s regulation suspension, oil and certain manufacturing industries had statistically significant lower employment values. To answer the latter question, we used 10 years of PM2.5 levels in California, United States, as a metric for local air quality and treatment–control county pairs to isolate the impact of regulation rollbacks from the impacts of the state lockdown. Using the agency’s data, we performed a t-test to determine whether treatment–control county pairs experienced a significant change in PM2.5 levels. Even with the statewide lockdown—a measure we hypothesized would correlate with decreased mobility and pollution levels—in place, counties with oil refineries experienced the same air pollution levels when compared to historical data averaged from the years 2009 to 2019. Conclusions In contrast to the expectation that the suspension would improve the financial health of the oil and manufacturing industry, we can conclude that these industries are not witnessing economic growth with the suspension and state shutdown in place. Additionally, counties with oil refineries could be taking advantage of these rollbacks to continue emitting the same amount of PM2.5, in spite of state lockdowns. For these reasons, we ask international policymakers to reconsider the suspension of enforcement regulations as these actions do not fulfill their initial expectations. We recommend the creation and maintenance of pollution control and prevention programs that develop emission baselines, mandate the construction of pollution databases, and update records of pollution emissions.

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