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Moving Toward an Integrated Transdisciplinary Approach to Solving Environmental Problems
Citation:
RAO, S. T. AND D. MOBLEY. Moving Toward an Integrated Transdisciplinary Approach to Solving Environmental Problems. EM: AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, (11):5, (2010).
Impact/Purpose:
The National Exposure Research Laboratory′s (NERL′s) Atmospheric Modeling and Analysis Division (AMAD) conducts research in support of EPA′s mission to protect human health and the environment. AMAD′s research program is engaged in developing and evaluating predictive atmospheric models on all spatial and temporal scales for forecasting the Nation′s air quality and for assessing changes in air quality and air pollutant exposures, as affected by changes in ecosystem management and regulatory decisions. AMAD is responsible for providing a sound scientific and technical basis for regulatory policies based on air quality models to improve ambient air quality. The models developed by AMAD are being used by EPA, NOAA, and the air pollution community in understanding and forecasting not only the magnitude of the air pollution problem, but also in developing emission control policies and regulations for air quality improvements.
Description:
Since the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) four decades ago, much progress has been made in reducing emissions from the electric utility and mobile source sectors in the United States. These efforts have helped in improving human health and the environment. Despite these dramatic achievements, human exposures to chemical contaminants and associated risks are still a concern as a result of social factors and demographic patterns pertaining to population, urban sprawl, consumption of fossil fuels, and industrial activity. In addition, some of our past management strategies have inadvertently created new problems while helping solve a current environmental problem. For example, to help reduce petroleum consumption by motor vehicles, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) was used as a fuel additive; while attempting to help address an air pollution problem, its use has contributed to ground water pollution.
URLs/Downloads:
Moving Toward an Integrated Transdisciplinary Approach to Solving Environmental Problems (PDF, NA pp, 344 KB, about PDF)EM
