New Online Tool Calculates Health Benefits, Economic Value of Climate Change Efforts that Reduce Air Pollution

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AirCounts™—a new online tool to help large and medium-sized cities calculate the health benefits and monetary value of air quality improvements—was introduced today by its developer, Abt Associates.

"As cities across the globe begin establishing climate change policies and programs that include improving air quality, they'll need to answer questions about the health benefits and economic value that can be realized from those programs," said Mike Conti, vice president of Abt Associates' Environment & Resources Division.

The interactive website— part of Abt's arsenal of original climate change solution methods and tools—enables users to determine how many premature deaths can be avoided and the associated economic benefits in the world's largest cities, including all C40 Cities, as a result of emissions reductions. C40 Cities are a network of the world's megacities committed to addressing climate change.

Visitors to AirCounts™ can choose any city and see its profile, including its fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) level, the city's population, income per capita and adult mortality rate. By using the online calculator, they can determine the benefits of various levels of emissions reductions.

AirCounts™ can be used to calculate such public health benefits as decreased cardiovascular and respiratory problems, also associated with PM_2.5 emissions. Further, Abt can develop customized analyses for virtually any geographic area and incorporate time as an analytical dimension.

In addition to AirCounts™, Abt offers other tools including CarbonCounts™ – a system for reporting and verifying progress in climate change initiatives—to help governments track and manage their climate change projects.  Currently, Abt is assisting governments in more than 10 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and working with the U.S. to identify and implement solutions ranging from adaptation and mitigation—including clean energy—to sustainable landscape management, low-emission development and economic growth.

About Abt Associates

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms in 2012 and also named one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in nearly 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com

SOURCE Abt Associates