Integrated assessment of European air pollution emission control strategies

The RAINS (Regional Air Pollution Information and Simulation) model (Alcamo et al., 1990. The RAINS Model of Acidification. Science and Strategies in Europe. Kluwer, Dordrecht) was developed at IIASA as an integrated assessment tool to assist policy advisors in evaluating options for reducing acid rain. Such models help to build consistent frameworks for the analysis of abatement strategies. They combine scientific findings in the various fields relevant to strategy development (economy, technology, atmospheric and ecological sciences) with regional databases. The environmental impacts of alternative scenarios for emission reductions can then be assessed in a consistent manner (‘scenario analysisʹ). This paper outlines the current stage in the development of an integrated assessment model for acidification and tropospheric ozone in Europe and explores the likely impacts of the currently agreed policy measures for controlling emissions on acidification and ground-level ozone.