The Sunny Side of Pollution

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European cities today have to face increasing ozone pollution levels. With heat waves exasperating the situation, ozone pollution has become a major concern in Europe. In fact, it is considered to be the root cause for the growing amount of Europeans suffering from asthma, allergies and general respiration insufficiencies. About twenty European researchers, from six European countries, have just created a server known as “SoDa” (Solar Data). This provides accurate data about solar radiation and enables meteorologists to forecast sunshine, and therefre ozone pollution, more precisely.

Indeed, when solar rays hit exhaust pipes, it provokes a photochemical reaction which results in a by-product known as ‘ozone’. In order to prevent high levels of ozone pollution, local authorities can lower the road speed limits, and introduce measures to reduce traffic congestion. But these measures are often insufficient. In Italy, meteorological forecasters from Genoa are testing SoDa, which is a huge server capable of supplying information about solar radiation anywhere in the world, at any time.

“With SoDa, we can consult data about solar and infrared radiation every day. It’s a great tool to improve the weather forecast”, explains Stefano, one of the Italian meteorologists. By having a precise measurement of solar radiation levels, on a daily and even hourly basis, forecasting becomes much easier. In the most polluted European cities, this forecast is vitally important - particularly in the summer.

A Strategic Tool

The user selects a town on the world map, such as Genoa. They then specify the longitude and latitude and within a few seconds SoDa can provide information about the solar radiation affecting that city. Partly supplied with data from meteorological satellites, such as Météosat, SoDa is a reliable tool for all those who need accurate data about solar radiation: farmers, skin cancer specialists, solar energy engineers and the like.

Canada and America offer similar web services to those provided by SoDa. But according to Lucien Wald, Head of the project, SoDa has two main advantages. “First, from strategic and commercial points of view, it is important for Europe to have its own meteorological measurement tool, independent from other sources. Plus, SoDa represents a technological advance compared to what is available in the United States and in Canada”.
However, in the future a partnership may be envisaged between the SoDa consortium and NASA to create a ‘Worldwide SoDa’ for all to share.