Project CAMS National Collaboration Programme Italia
Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Project - Environmental Monitoring and Protection at a National Level
The CAMS National Collaboration Program Italy project represents a milestone in the field of atmospheric monitoring in Italy, as it promotes joint development actions based on real user needs, encouraging specific communication and information activities. Launched with the signing of the agreement between the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and ISPRA on 14 December 2022, the initiative aims to consolidate and improve the performance of existing national models based on the products of the Copernicus Weather Monitoring Service. 'Atmosphere (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service – CAMS) provided by ECMWF Thanks to CAMS, it is possible to monitor in real time and predict the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere, thus helping to ensure a better understanding of the environment around us and to take informed decisions for our health and well-being. The main analysis and research focuses, in fact, include the atmosphere, air quality and the monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions.
The approach:
In this project, the Italian team led by ISPRA includes several research institutions, regional environmental agencies and universities: ARPAE, ARPAC, ARPAV, ARPA Lombardia, CNR-ISAC, ENEA and UNITOV-DICII. Through the National Copernicus Users Forum, in particular through its consultation table on Air Quality, the project actively involves intermediate users, creating an essential bridge between CAMS and national users.
Main Actions at National or Regional Level:
In the first period of the CAMS National Collaboration Program Italy, collaboration between regional agencies was strengthened, focusing on communication and information. In the subsequent phases, the Italian team will modify the air quality models at a national scale to use the data coming from the European-scale regional model “CAMS Regional Ensemble”. The objective is to identify and allow the management of high pollution situations through the use of CAMS data.
Results and Communication:
The activities include:
- Increase awareness of CAMS products within the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA).
- Provide knowledge and skills relating to CAMS products and services.
- Strengthen scientific and operational collaborations in the air quality service user community.