4th Scientific Conference “Air Quality and Health”
3 – 5 July 2023
In recent years, air pollution has been recognized as one of the major environmental threats. It is not surprising considering that approximately 7 million people worldwide die prematurely each year due to exposure to air pollution. It is also important to remember that deteriorating air quality leads to a decrease in biodiversity and degradation of other environmental values, and many air pollutants impact the climate.
In recent years, the fight against air pollution in our country has faced significant challenges. First, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed it to the background, further weakening the health and immunity of the population. Then, the war in Ukraine and the resulting disruptions in energy markets caused many adverse effects that could, directly and indirectly, affect air quality. The increase in fuel prices and the associated sense of threat became a pretext for temporary liberalization of the energy market, such as allowing the circulation of low-quality fuels. Certain anti-smog regulations underwent modifications that were not beneficial in terms of environmental protection.
However, the current situation can be seen as an opportunity because the changes in the fuel market in the last heating season clearly showed that relying on traditional energy sources will not provide us with lasting security. Meanwhile, ecological solutions can help us successfully address real problems and ensure warmth in our homes.
In these circumstances, the fourth edition of the Scientific Conference “Air Quality and Health” is being organized as part of the “Do You Know What You Breathe?” project – an educational and informational campaign for cleaner air, LIFE-MAPPINGAIR/PL. The conference is organized by the University of Wrocław, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, and the City Hall of Bydgoszcz – partners of the LIFE-MAPPINGAIR/PL project, as well as the Wrocław Medical University, Institute of Territorial Development, and European Clean Air Centre Foundation.
Traditionally, our conference is designed as a platform for exchanging experiences, bringing together the scientific community, institutions dealing with air quality issues, national, regional, and local authorities, public benefit organizations, and environmental educators.
Similar to previous editions, the conference will cover topics related to air pollution – its emission, dispersion, and deposition, as well as its impact on human health and life, environmental education, and legal aspects of air quality improvement measures. This year, the main theme of the conference also includes issues related to bioaerosols, which are very important from a social perspective, especially in the context of intensifying climate change. The conference program includes 10 oral sessions with a total of 51 presentations, as well as a poster session featuring 33 posters. On the third day of the conference, there will also be a panel discussion titled “Air Quality Management in the Face of Future Challenges.” It is divided into two parts: the first part, “Current challenges in low emission management – European and national conditions,” and the second part, “Clean Transport Zones – an effective tool for reducing transportation pollution?” The panel discussion will involve representatives of local authorities, government institutions, and public benefit organizations who deal with the challenges of improving air quality in our country on a daily basis.
Translated by Maja Kurczyńska (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.
