The release of greenhouse gases and other transboundary air pollutants to the atmospheres through human activity is responsible for major challenges at both global and regional levels. On a global scale, climate change due to the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the most challenging issue facing world governments today.
On a regional scale air pollution causes environmental damage, impacts on human health and key economic sectors such as agriculture. The destruction of ozone in the upper atmosphere by ozone depleting substances is also an issue which requires action at a global level. There are no national or international boundaries or borders for air pollution as it can travel short distances or thousands of kilometers from from its point of release.
Transboundary air pollution is addressed under the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution to which Ireland is a party.
The EPA undertakes local and regional air quality monitoring as part of its national Air Quality Monitoring Programme. The EPA also undertakes transboundary monitoring at a number of key sites in Ireland in conjunction with key stakeholders such as Met Éireann. Download the Report New Transboundary Air Pollution Monitoring Capacity for Ireland learn more about the EPA's air quality monitoring programme
The emission levels of certain air pollutants are subject to legally binding limits under international agreements and are required to achieve their relevant national emissions ceilings (NEC) by 2010. The EPA is responsible for compiling emissions inventories for air pollutants including greenhouse gases. Learn more about transboundary air pollution emission inventories Learn more about greenhouse gas emission inventories
Analysis of the development and occurrence of biological and chemical aerosols. (BioCheA)
http://crac.ucc.ie
UniversityCollegeCork
The project aims to improve significantly the accuracy of current emissions inventories for NOx and Particulate Matter from transport and small scale combustion installations in Ireland and to identify the potential for emissions reduction through adoption of new technologies and practices.
The principal objectives of the research are to quantify the changes in lake chemistry since 1997; to quantify additional pollutant (heavy metals, trace organics) levels; to continue the development of a high quality environmental database on remote Irish lakes and soils, and to disseminate the results widely.
The EPA organised a workshop on transboundary air pollution in Galway on the 8th and 9th of September 2010. The workshop featured presentaions from the academic community, Met Eireann, The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, APEnvCon and the EPA highlighting research, monitoring, modelling, analysis and policy. Notes from the workshop are avilable below.
EPA TXB Workshop 2010 Notes
All presentations from the workshop are available on the EPA's SlideShare channel at http://www.slideshare.net/epaireland
Check out the latest climate change research reports from the EPA.
Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution
Air Quality in Ireland
