International Programs

Despite recent improvements, poor air quality is still a major concern throughout the world, including in industrialized nations. In developing countries, urban air pollution has worsened in most large cities, a situation driven by population growth, industrialization, and increased vehicle use. Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many as 1.4 billion urban residents breathe air that does not meet the WHO air quality guidelines .

As the U.S. federal agency responsible for management of national environmental programs, the EPA has a long history of working with partners in the U.S. and abroad to address a range of air quality issues. International programs can help reduce the amount of airborne pollution that reaches the United States through atmospheric transport, thereby making it easier for EPA to meet its domestic air quality goals. Similarly, through mechanisms such as the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate , we can work to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.

This site is designed to provide information about global air issues. It provides links to relevant EPA information about air quality, climate, and related programs and tools. It also provides links to other organizations that work on air pollution issues globally.