The 1991 Canada-US Air Quality Agreement is a landmark international agreement between two neighboring countries that have long wrestled with cross-border air pollution. The agreement was signed in response to growing public concern over the health and environmental impacts of transboundary air pollution, including acid rain, smog, and particulate matter.
The objective of the agreement was to establish a framework for cooperative efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions from both mobile and stationary sources that contribute to acid rain and ground-level ozone pollution. The agreement requires both countries to set emission reduction targets for major air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
To achieve these targets, Canada and the United States have implemented a variety of measures, including the introduction of cleaner fuels and vehicles, the deployment of advanced emissions control technologies, the implementation of more stringent emission standards for industry, and the development of new policies and programs to promote sustainable transportation and energy production.
The agreement has been highly successful in reducing air pollution in both countries. According to a report by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, between 1990 and 2015, sulfur dioxide emissions in Canada decreased by 84%, nitrogen oxide emissions decreased by 28%, and VOC emissions decreased by 55%. In the United States, sulfur dioxide emissions decreased by 87%, nitrogen oxide emissions decreased by 41%, and VOC emissions decreased by 51%.
The agreement has also demonstrated the effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing transboundary air pollution. By working together, Canada and the United States have been able to achieve emission reductions that would not have been possible by acting alone. The agreement also serves as a model for other countries and regions facing similar air pollution challenges.
In conclusion, the 1991 Canada-US Air Quality Agreement has played a crucial role in reducing air pollution in both Canada and the United States. The cooperation between the two countries has been a remarkable example of how international cooperation can help to address the common environmental challenges faced by neighboring countries. The continued success of the agreement will depend on the continued commitment of both Canada and the United States to work together to address the pressing environmental issues of our time.