The Swiss National Air Pollution Monitoring Network (NABEL) – Bridging Science and Environmental Policy

Authors

  • Christoph Hueglin Empa, Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
  • Brigitte Buchmann Empa, Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
  • Martin Steinbacher Empa, Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
  • Lukas Emmenegger Empa, Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2024.722

Keywords:

Aerosols, Air pollution control, Greenhouse gases, Trace gases

Abstract

Awareness of atmospheric air quality in Switzerland became a concern in the 1960s, as a result of which the Swiss National Air Pollution Monitoring Network (Nationales Beobachtungsnetz für Luftfremdstoffe - NABEL) was created in the 1970s. This paper describes the establishment and evolution of NABEL, emphasizing its important role in monitoring air quality in Switzerland, and its contribution to international observation networks and research. The network’s history, legal framework, and measurement program are described, and exemplary time-series of air quality parameters are given. NABEL is an excellent example for reliable, long-term air quality monitoring and demonstrates the importance of such monitoring for air pollution control at both national and international levels.

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Published

2024-11-27