Lesson 27 — Activity 3: The Air Quality Agreement

Under the 1991 Air Quality Agreement, Canada and the United States committed to addressing transboundary air pollution. Transboundary air pollution is air pollution that develops in one area and moves across the globe into another country. One of the most important problems this agreement focused on was the problem of acid rain. The two governments have made significant reductions in emissions of the two major acid rain pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx).

Pixabay        

The Air Quality Agreement has reduced both air pollutants and greenhouse gases. It is also working to protect human health and the environment. The governments of Canada and the United States have now placed strict regulations on pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, and this will reduce emissions within a given time frame. The agreement will develop commitments to supporting research, including monitoring and reporting on the progress of these pollutants. The Air Quality Agreement requires both Canada and the United States to produce annual reports that will include such items as emissions trends, air concentration levels, and how they have reduced these levels. 

Here is information from the 2014 Air Quality Agreement Progress Report:

According to the report, as of 2012, Canada's total emissions of sulphur dioxide decreased 58 percent from 1990 levels, while the United States reduced total sulphur dioxide emissions by 78 percent from their 1990 emission levels.

 Between 2000 and 2012, Canada's total nitrogen oxide emissions in the transboundary ozone region decreased by 45 percent, while in the United States total nitrogen oxide emissions in the region declined by 47 percent. 

Self-check!