Publication Date:
2013-01-06
Description:
[1] Using both satellite observations of tropospheric NO 2 columns and a number of economic metrics we investigate the impact of the economic crisis (from 2008 onward) on air quality over Greece, and Athens in particular. The multiannual analysis shows that NO 2 columns over Athens have been significantly reduced in the range 30-40%. This decline is further supported by surface measurements of atmospheric NO 2 mixing ratios. Additionally, the declining local concentrations of NO, CO, SO 2 are associated with an increase in ozone due to reduced titration by NO. In particular, regression analysis revealed that the reduction of NO 2 (0.3 ± 0.2 ppbv y -1 ) and SO 2 (0.2 ± 0.1 ppbv y -1 ) during the period 2000-2007, significantly accelerated during the economic crisis period (from 2008 onward), reaching 2.3 ± 0.2 ppbv y -1 and 0.7 ± 0.1 ppbv y -1 , respectively. The strong correlations between pollutant concentrations and economic indicators show that the economic recession has resulted in proportionally lower levels of pollutants in large parts of Greece.
Print ISSN:
0094-8276
Electronic ISSN:
1944-8007
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
