As temperatures in the Northern hemisphere plunge and geopolitical relations continue to fracture and freeze, winter is also when air pollution is at its worst. But faced with complex environmental crises and tensions between countries, history can show us that the international community can come together to cooperate on environmental issues, even at the most difficult times. 

Indeed, when scientists in Europe understood that the acid rain responsible for the dieback of forests and loss of life in lakes was caused by air pollution that travelled thousands of kilometers, it became clear that only collective action would suffice. 

So, at the height of the Cold War in 1979, 32 states from both sides of the Iron Curtain, including the Soviet Union, the majority of Western European countries, the US and Canada, signed the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (Air Convention). 

After proving its success through the recovery of the region’s forests, the Air Convention has developed into a highly successful legally binding regional framework that links science and policy to reduce damage by air pollution to human health, the environment and the economy. 

“The Air Convention shows what countries can achieve when we set aside differences and work together. Because air pollution does not stop at borders and action for clean air pays off by saving both lives and money, the political case for cooperation has never been stronger. UNECE stands ready to share the experience gained over the last 45 years through the Air Convention with countries worldwide”, highlighted UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean. 

The achievements of the 51 Parties to the Convention in the region over the last 45 years have been no less than remarkable: emissions reductions by 50-80% since 1990,  1 additional year of life expectancy, and 600,000 lives saved annually. Tackling some pollutants that are both bad for air quality and contribute to climate change - such as black carbon (soot) and ground-level ozone precursors - at the same time, the Convention is also supporting integrated approaches for clean air and climate action. 

However, there are many more challenges still to be tackled to reduce air pollution in the region. A report on the effectiveness of the Convention’s most recent protocol, the Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone or Gothenburg Protocol, which forms the basis of European Union regulations on air pollution, showed that while emission reductions have been achieved, damage to health, ecosystems and materials (such as limestone and metals of historical monuments and buildings) remains. Following a landmark decision in 2023, the Convention’s Executive Body convenes this week to advance discussions on the revision of the Gothenburg Protocol, to make it even more effective, to address gaps, and to help all countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia join and implement its provisions.  

High costs of air pollution  

The latest research by Air Convention scientists on the cost of inaction on air pollution  has shown the importance of investing in clean air policies, demonstrating that business as usual is up to 25 times more expensive than additional clean air policies. While the average cost of an optimal air pollution strategy is estimated to be 0.01–0.02 per cent of GDP, the current monetary damage cost to health, ecosystems and the economy due to ambient air pollution corresponds to over 5 per cent of GDP in nearly half (26) of 56 countries of the Pan-European region and North America. In at least 6 countries, the damage is more than 10 per cent of GDP. The largest part of the damage cost consists of reduced life expectancy, followed by morbidity costs (e.g., hospital admittance, sick leave, medicine costs), and damage to ecosystems. 

Global relevance 

7 million people die worldwide annually due to air pollution, according to WHO. The associated high costs of damage – both to health and the environment – have become an economic issue affecting economies everywhere. According to the OECD, the estimated economic cost of air pollution is increasing and could rise to 1% of global GDP by 2060 – around USD 2.6 trillion annually – as a result of sick days, medical bills and reduced agricultural output, unless further action is taken.  

From choking smog in India to toxic air in cities around the world, people on all continents are increasingly affected by severe air pollution. Although it remains the only regional treaty regulating air pollution anywhere on earth, policy makers in other regions – especially in East and South Asia, but also in South America – are looking to learn from the experience of the Air Convention. With its 45-year track record, the Convention could provide a model for other regions. To support action worldwide, the Air Convention will further share its experience and scientific expertise, including through the Forum for International Cooperation on Air Pollution, and strive to play a key role in the development of further policy cooperation between regions in the future. 

Note to editors  

About the Air Convention  

The UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution was adopted in 1979. Over the years, it has been extended by eight protocols that identify specific measures to be taken by Parties to cut their emissions of air pollutants. The Convention has 51 Parties, covering North America and almost the entire European continent.  

Impact on emissions and concentrations of air pollutants: 

• Emissions of a series of harmful substances have been reduced by 58% (nitrogen oxides) to 83% (sulphur dioxide) since 1990 in the region  

• Emissions of fine particles (PM2.5) have been reduced by 44% since 1990 in the region  

• Emissions of lead have been reduced by 72%, cadmium by 46% and mercury by 56% since 2000 in the region 

• Decrease of peak ozone levels in Europe and North America since 2000 

Impacts of emission reductions under the Convention on ecosystem, health and materials: 

• 600,000 premature deaths avoided annually 

• Life expectancy has increased by 1 year in Europe 

• The decrease in sulphur emissions has led to healthier forest soils, particularly in the most polluted areas 

• Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have shown evidence of recovery from acidification since the 1990s 

• Many sites show an increase in biodiversity, particularly those with the most pronounced recovery from acidification 

• Corrosion and other damage on materials and cultural heritage have decreased significantly since the early 1990s due to the decrease of sulphur dioxide levels.