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- Info
Air quality management: a policy perspective
| Author: |
Peine, John D.; Mongomery, Leslie C.; Stephens, Barry R. [and others] |
| Date: |
1998 |
| Periodical: |
In:Peine, J.D.ed. Ecosystem management for sustainability: principles and practices illustrated by a regional biosphere reserve cooperative. New York: Lewis Publishers: |
| Abstract: |
Not until air pollution was determined to be aserious problem in natural areas was the troposheric atmosphere recognized as a natural resource of equal importance to terrestrial and quatic natural resources. Ecosystem managers are beginning to recognize the inextricable connection between good air quality and a healthy natural environment. In fact, air pollution has been ranked as a primary problem concerning natural resources and the quality of the visitor experience at many national parks in the U.S., ranging from Yosemite and Grand Canyon in the west to Shenandoahand Great Smokies in the east.
For the sake of this discussion, \"air\" refers to the mixture of odorless and tasteless gasses of nitrogen and oxygen that surrounds the earth, its movement patterns, and the plethora of other gasses, liquids, and particulate matter that are carried in it from natural and anthropogenic sources. The sun, via the atmosphere and associated climate conditions, provides the primary source Of energy for ecosystem processes. The effect of this energy driver for ecosystem dynamics and sensitive species can be greatly Impacted by the condition of the atmosphere. Thus, pollutants in the atmosphere can have significant adverse indirect effects on ecosystem processes and direct effects on vulnerable species, most of which are commonly found on the landscape. |
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