The Spanish Mediterranean area is periodically affected by torrential rainfall events during autumn. In September 2012, one of these episodes took place with up to 50 mm of rain in a 1-hour period and with more than 300 mm in 12 hours. This study shows the spatial and temporal variability of the atmospheric integrated water vapour (IWV) observed using delays in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals and associated rainfall during this severe weather event. This experiment focuses on the relationship between the variations of IWV values in GNSS stations and meteorological variables such as atmospheric pressure and precipitation. This study was carried out on the Mediterranean coast of Spain during a heavy rainfall episode. The results show a mean increase in IWV of around 30 kg/m2 occurring prior to heavy precipitation. They further revealed an increase of up to a 100% in IWV values in several GNSS stations available in the study area. Fluctuations in IWV fields correlate well with approaching frontal rainfall and a combined rise in IWV and a drop in atmospheric pressure may well be used as a pre-cursor to heavy precipitation.
Climate change is a major global issue because transportation is a major source of pollutants and greenhouse gases that affect human health and air quality. However, to effectively prioritize and fund mitigating actions, decision-makers lack scientific rigor and diagnoses with sufficient spatial resolution. Based on the Origin-Destination Matrix (ODM), this study suggests a methodology to measure and identify mobility emissions (CO2, Nox, PM) at the neighborhood level with high spatial resolution. Testing of the methodology was performed in Valencia, Spain. Even though many studies calculate carbon footprint, few make use of precise geographic information and openly accessible data, and they frequently concentrate on entire cities rather than smaller areas. To determine all potential routes for each Origin-Destination (OD) trip, the process uses geostatistics to estimate daily trip activity data (kilometers traveled). The COPERT calculator methodology from the European Union is used to analyze these routes to calculate the total emissions and the distance traveled per neighborhood. Based on road infrastructure, the methodology determines which neighborhoods receive emissions and creates measures of equitable environmental responsibility. It also identifies short trips that might be replaced by cycling or walking, as well as possible improvements to public transportation.
This paper aims to evaluate the accessibility to urban mobility services with high spatial resolution. The methodology identifies the percentage of the population living within walking distance of the different public transport and shared mobility systems. The motivation for this study stems from the importance of understanding and improving sustainable urban mobility, as well as the need to evaluate the effectiveness of transportation infrastructure. The study involved creating buffers from each station following the road network according to urban design to identify areas within a 5-min walk, then calculating the affected population by age range within these zones to ensure equity. This method determined the percentage of the population with access to available mobility services: bike renting, urban bus, intercity bus, metro, taxi, tram and train. The application of the methodology to the Valencia case study underscores the overall strong accessibility of mobility services. The main results indicate access to mobility services for 99.98% of the total population of the city. The accessibility percentages for specific mobility services vary, with urban bus and bike renting showing high accessibility, while train and tram services exhibit lower accessibility rates. Additionally, the study extends its assessment to the peri-urban area, revealing a global access percentage of 46.33%. In conclusion, this study allows us to identify areas with lower accessibility and help to improve the sustainability of urban mobility. These findings can aid urban planners and policymakers by providing valuable insights into the city’s mobility network’s strengths and areas for improvement.
The escalating concern over poor air quality, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), poses a critical public health challenge, especially for vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to analyze air quality in areas with vulnerable populations through a geospatial analysis of NO2 concentration measured by the passive dosimetry method in 2022. The results reveal high vulnerability caused by areas with over-centralized facilities and high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, often coinciding with busy avenues. The study emphasizes the urgent need to address air quality disparities, providing crucial insights for public decision-makers to allocate resources effectively and reduce environmental inequalities in the city, ultimately safeguarding the health of at-risk communities.
This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable urban mobility through a comprehensive analysis of decarbonization potential in the metropolitan area of Valencia, Spain. The research is motivated by the imperative to mitigate climate change amidst high traffic and congestion levels. Utilizing the Origin–Destination matrix from the Valencian community’s mobility plan, the study prioritizes displacements for substitution by sustainable alternatives. Through a detailed case study analysis, critical areas for decarbonization are identified, and practical strategies to reduce carbon emissions are proposed. The methodology encompasses a thorough literature review on decarbonization measures, examination of existing plans, and analysis of sustainable trips with high spatial resolution using geographic information systems (GISs). The study identifies trips with significant decarbonization potential and assesses the current public transportation network. Spatial analyses illustrate demand patterns for sustainable transport options, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies. Key findings highlight the role of private and commercial transport in CO2 emissions, advocating for targeted interventions to enhance active transport infrastructure, promote carpooling, adopt low-emission vehicles, and improve public transport accessibility and efficiency.