Open AccessA novel approach of creating sustainable urban planning solutions that optimise the local air quality and environmental equity in Helsinki, Finland: The CouSCOUS study protocol
Author(s) -
Joanne Demmler,
Ákos Gosztonyi,
Yaxing Du,
Matti Lein,
Laura Ruotsalainen,
Leena Järvi,
Sanna Ala-Mantila
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0260009
Subject(s) - air quality index , metropolitan area , urbanization , population , traffic congestion , air pollution , equity (law) , urban planning , environmental planning , computer science , transport engineering , environmental science , meteorology , geography , engineering , civil engineering , environmental health , economic growth , ecology , economics , medicine , archaeology , law , political science , biology
Background Air pollution is one of the major environmental challenges cities worldwide face today. Planning healthy environments for all future populations, whilst considering the ongoing demand for urbanisation and provisions needed to combat climate change, remains a difficult task. Objective To combine artificial intelligence (AI), atmospheric and social sciences to provide urban planning solutions that optimise local air quality by applying novel methods and taking into consideration population structures and traffic flows. Methods We will use high-resolution spatial data and linked electronic population cohort for Helsinki Metropolitan Area (Finland) to model (a) population dynamics and urban inequality related to air pollution; (b) detailed aerosol dynamics, aerosol and gas-phase chemistry together with detailed flow characteristics; (c) high-resolution traffic flow addressing dynamical changes at the city environment, such as accidents, construction work and unexpected congestion. Finally, we will fuse the information resulting from these models into an optimal city planning model balancing air quality, comfort, accessibility and travelling efficiency.