(Source: Greater Vancouver Regional District, Environment Canada)

Vancouver, Penticton, Kelowna, and some other cities in southern British Columbia lie within valleys whose mountain walls trap polluted air. Airborne pollutants are usually dispersed by winds, but on calm days they can become concentrated beneath a layer of warmer air. The pollutants worsen asthma, impair lung function, and can even cause death. 'Bad air' days and related health costs will increase if summers become warmer, drier, and longer. The problem will worsen as more people, driving more cars, move to the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan River valley.

(Robert Turner)

What can be done to reduce the amount of air pollution in the lower Fraser Valley?

Have you noticed a change in air quality where you live? What has caused this change?

Did you know?
Motor vehicle exhaust is the source of nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the lower Fraser Valley.