Leave the text-only version and return to the original page view. International Cooperation for Clean Air
Air pollution does not respect political boundaries. Pollutant emissions from transportation, energy production, industry, and residential activities enter the atmosphere and are carried long distances, across borders and even halfway around the world. This transboundary movement of pollutants means that air quality is truly a global concern.
As a result, international cooperation between Canada and other nations throughout the world is essential, addressing both global and local air concerns. Of particular importance to air quality in Canada is Canada's partnership with the United States. This is because the United States is Canada's most significant trading partner, closest neighbour and, unfortunately, a significant source of pollution in many areas of Canada. By working together, we can find solutions that benefit us all.
Find out more about international environmental issues at Environment Canada's international relations Web site
North America
Canada works closely with the United States, as well as Mexico to address transboundary air pollution in North America. This cooperation is guided by the North America Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) and its Commission for Environmental Cooperation, as well as the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement, Ozone Annex, and many other related agreements.
In January 2003, the Government of Canada, led by Environment Canada but in cooperation with other departments such as Health Canada, began working to develop a Border Air Quality Strategy with the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States to identify appropriate pilot projects to address transboundary air pollution of concern and to continue on the path to reduce transborder air pollution.
Arctic and Northern Hemisphere
Canada is also active in addressing air pollution concerns within its northern Arctic regions and throughout the northern hemisphere. For instance, Canada supports the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) and is a signatory, along with over 45 other countries, to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP), administered by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Globally
Canada is also working multilaterally with the United Nations through the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Bank, by providing funding for environmental programs and research and by sharing knowledge and experience through conferences and workshops in areas such as best available technology and policy options to address poor air quality. International and bilateral conferences and workshops provide countries with the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn about new policy tools and technology, and develop partnerships.
Clean Air Sites from Selected Countries
United States
- United States Environmental Protection Agency
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (Air Issues)
- State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators (STAPPA)/
Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (ALAPCO) - Clean Air World
State and local air pollution control agencies in the US with links to clean air Web sites of governments worldwide - California Air Resources Board
- EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency: AIRNOW
- California - Spare the Air 2000
- California Air Resources Board: Air Quality, Emissions, and Modeling
Australia
France
Germany
United Kingdom
Regional Organizations
Arctic
European Union
- EU Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) Program
- European Commission Green Portal - Air
- Activities of the EU - Environment
- European Environment Agency
- APHEIS - Effects of Air Pollution on Health in Europe
- European Topic Centre on Air and Climate Change
- European Environment Agency Air Quality Reports
North America
