An International Challenge

While local and regional emissions sources are the main cause of air pollution problems worldwide, there is increasing evidence that many air pollutants are transported on a hemispheric or global scale. Observations and model predictions show the potential for intercontinental transport of ozone and its precursors, fine particles, acidifying substances, mercury, and persistent organic pollutants.

In the northern hemisphere, these flows may be important for understanding air pollution problems in population centres and impacts on remote areas.

A Scientific Cooperative Forum

To develop a fuller understanding of this growing body of scientific evidence, the Executive Body of the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution has established a Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution. The Task Force will report its findings to the Convention’s Steering Body for the Cooperative Programme on the Monitoring and Evaluation of Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP).

The Task Force is chaired by Mr. Andre Zuber (European Community) and Mr. Terry Keating (United States). The Task Force is comprised of experts nominated by Parties to the Convention and experts nominated by the Chairs (including experts nominated by countries that are non-Parties and outside the UNECE region). The meetings of the Task Force are open to experts from intergovernmental or accredited non-governmental organizations. To nominate an expert to participate in the Task Force, please contact the Convention secretariat by e-mail (air.env@unece.org).

For more information, go to:
http://www.htap.org