ICP Modelling and Mapping
Interest in the critical loads and levels approach for pollution control has gathered momentum over the past decades. To provide emission reduction strategies as input to negotiations of protocols to the Convention, the International Co-operative Programme on Modelling and Mapping of Critical Levels and Loads and Air Pollution Effects, Risks and Trends (ICP Modelling and Mapping) was established in 1988.
The objectives of the ICP Modelling and Mapping are to determine receptor specific critical loads for indirect effects of the (long-term) deposition of various air pollutants and receptor specific critical levels for the exposure to a concentration of gaseous air pollutants; to assess and map areas at risk by comparing pollutant depositions and concentrations to critical thresholds; and to establish appropriate methodologies as a basis for assessing potential damage.
At present, around 30 Parties participate in the programme activities and contribute national data that are integrated into European critical load databases. For those countries that cannot provide national data, various European databases on soil, land, climate and other variables are used to calculate critical loads. The databases are partly used for integrated assessment modelling by the Task Force on Integrated Assessment Modelling (TFIAM).
A Mapping Manual produced in collaboration with other ICPs describes methods for calculating critical loads and levels and, for dynamic modelling that can be used by National Focal Centres. The programme is co-ordinated by a Task Force lead by France, located at the French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS), in collaboration with the Co-ordination Centre for Effects (CCE) hosted by the German Environment Agency (UBA, located in Dessau), and the center for Dynamic Modelling (CDM), hosted by IVL Swedish Environmental Institute, Gothenburg, Sweden.
For more information, please visit the website of the Co-ordination Centre for Effects
External link, opens in new window. and the website of the Centre for Dynamic Modelling.