Political development

The protocols under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP), and the directive on national emissions ceilings within the EU are the most important instruments to bring about emission reductions within Europe. The Convention applies to all countries in Europe and North America.

Extensive work is being carried out within the EU to achieve better air quality in the Union. The political objective is that "all people should be effectively protected against health risks from air pollution" (Fifth Environmental Action Programme, 1992).

The EU has also established air quality standards for a number of pollutants.

>> Further reading

EU air quality legislation (this website).

The LRTAP Convention (this website).

Health & Environment Alliance (European NGO network)

Air Now / US EPA, about the developments in the United States (external link)

Political development. Chapter 9 in the secretariat's book Air and the Environment (2004).