Critical Research Topics
Although almost all of the topics touched upon at the workshop could benefit from further examination, several issues in particular were identified by participants as critical research topics:
Scientific issues
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sources, composition, transport, and sources, composition, transport, and fate of particulate matter
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regional and temporal variations in tropospheric ozone and its precursors
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global distribution and trends of photochemical oxidants and the resulting impacts on atmospheric chemistry
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effects of increased UV-B radiation on the productivity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
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impacts of nitrogen deposition on crops and natural ecosystems
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cumulative, chronic health impacts of pollutant exposure (versus short-term, acute impacts)
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health threat posed by indoor and in-car air quality (versus ambient, outdoor air quality)
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specific health problems caused by inhalation of fine particulates, ozone, air toxics, as well as the additive effect of multiple pollutant exposure
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regional impacts of climate change
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capacity of plant and animal life to adapt to rapid climate change
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coupled effects of climate change and other environmental stressors
Technological and policy issues
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potential for recycling new auto manufacturing materials
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how to make manufacturing of new technology vehicles more practical and cost efficient
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ways to influence the transport mix among road, rail, and air
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socioeconomic impacts of inspection and maintenance programs, fuel taxes, and other policies
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ways to assign economic value to indirect or non-market societal benefits, such as a clean environment
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how to improve mobile source emission estimates based on real driving conditions
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the effects of pricing signal changes on industrial R&D and personal use decisions
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the role of personal values in guiding transportation use decisions and the evolution of the transportation system as a whole
