What economic benefit is achieved by reducing air pollution through trees in the Basque Country?

Abstract

This study estimates air pollution removal by trees in the Basque Country and calculates their economic value. The study has developed a model that simulates the process of dry deposition on trees on an hourly basis of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) and estimates its economic benefit based on the number of people exposed to different levels of pollution. The results show that it is not only the trees within cities that contribute to the removal of air pollutants, but especially the forests around large urban centres. The economic value of plant removal in terms of benefits for human health was estimated at 102 million euros per year. © 2020 Servicio Central Publicaciones. Gobierno vasco.