IMED|HEL model: Evaluating co-benefits of air pollution control and climate policies for health and economic outcomes

IMED|HEL is a health and economy assessment module within the Integrated Model of Energy, Environment, and Economy for Sustainable Development (IMED). It is designed to evaluate the health and economic implications of environmental and climate policy choices. The module follows a single chain from scenario assumptions to emissions, pollutant concentrations, population exposure, health outcomes, and economic metrics. It represents both ambient exposure and indoor exposure related to household fuel use. Across China-focused applications at national, regional, city, and sector scales, the framework has expanded from PM_2.5-focused burden accounting to ozone-inclusive and joint PM_2.5-O₃ assessments. It has also moved from damage estimation to evaluating end-of-pipe controls, structural transitions, and climate and air quality synergies. The model provides strong support for incorporating health damages as a core policy outcome when comparing and prioritizing pollution control and mitigation options.