MAP-AQ: An international network for air quality forecasts

MAP-AQ (Modeling, Analysis and Predictions of Air Quality) is an international network that contributes to the development and implementation of global and regional air pollution monitoring, analysis, prediction and attribution systems with downscaling capability in areas of the world particularly affected by high levels of atmospheric pollutants, in particular in low and middle-income countries. The project supports the development of the science and software engineering needed to improve air quality forecasts from the global to the regional and local scales, and to develop reliable attribution systems for air pollution sources. Capacity development is another focus of the project sponsored by WMO/GAW and by IGAC. The paper will present a number of activities currently supported by MAP-AQ and will outline a strategy for future initiatives and cooperations.