Air Quality Legislation in Australia and Canada—A Review

Air pollution is a pervasive global issue affecting human health, ecosystems, and the environment. This paper reviews the evolution and implementation of air quality legislation in Australia and Canada, providing a comparative analysis of their approaches to managing air pollution. Both countries ha...

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Main Authors: Shilpi Tewari, Nidhi Pandey, Jierui Dong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Challenges
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2078-1547/15/4/43
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author Shilpi Tewari
Nidhi Pandey
Jierui Dong
author_facet Shilpi Tewari
Nidhi Pandey
Jierui Dong
author_sort Shilpi Tewari
collection DOAJ
description Air pollution is a pervasive global issue affecting human health, ecosystems, and the environment. This paper reviews the evolution and implementation of air quality legislation in Australia and Canada, providing a comparative analysis of their approaches to managing air pollution. Both countries have established robust legal frameworks to address air quality issues, involving governmental policies, regulatory mechanisms, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. Australia began its air quality regulation at the state level in the 1950s, evolving into a national framework with the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality in 1998. In contrast, Canada centralized its efforts with the Clean Air Act in 1971, complemented by the National Air Pollution Surveillance program. Key findings reveal that, while both nations have achieved significant improvements in air quality, challenges remain in addressing the broader impacts of air pollution, such as climate change and health-related economic burdens. Australia’s air quality standards are generally more stringent than Canada’s for particulate matter but more relaxed for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Both countries employ advanced air quality monitoring and reporting systems, with Australia’s Air Quality Index and Canada’s Air Quality Health Index providing critical public health information. The study highlights the need for continuous improvement and a more integrated approach to air quality management. By examining the legislative and regulatory landscapes of Australia and Canada, this paper offers valuable insights for other countries striving to enhance their air quality governance and mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on a global scale.
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spelling doaj-art-5e892f1cad914ebbb3792d30496ae77c2024-12-27T14:16:51ZengMDPI AGChallenges2078-15472024-11-011544310.3390/challe15040043Air Quality Legislation in Australia and Canada—A ReviewShilpi Tewari0Nidhi Pandey1Jierui Dong2School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, AustraliaIndependent Researcher, Edmonton, AB T6E 4S4, CanadaSchool of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, AustraliaAir pollution is a pervasive global issue affecting human health, ecosystems, and the environment. This paper reviews the evolution and implementation of air quality legislation in Australia and Canada, providing a comparative analysis of their approaches to managing air pollution. Both countries have established robust legal frameworks to address air quality issues, involving governmental policies, regulatory mechanisms, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. Australia began its air quality regulation at the state level in the 1950s, evolving into a national framework with the National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality in 1998. In contrast, Canada centralized its efforts with the Clean Air Act in 1971, complemented by the National Air Pollution Surveillance program. Key findings reveal that, while both nations have achieved significant improvements in air quality, challenges remain in addressing the broader impacts of air pollution, such as climate change and health-related economic burdens. Australia’s air quality standards are generally more stringent than Canada’s for particulate matter but more relaxed for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Both countries employ advanced air quality monitoring and reporting systems, with Australia’s Air Quality Index and Canada’s Air Quality Health Index providing critical public health information. The study highlights the need for continuous improvement and a more integrated approach to air quality management. By examining the legislative and regulatory landscapes of Australia and Canada, this paper offers valuable insights for other countries striving to enhance their air quality governance and mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on a global scale.https://www.mdpi.com/2078-1547/15/4/43air quality policyair quality managementair protection
spellingShingle Shilpi Tewari
Nidhi Pandey
Jierui Dong
Air Quality Legislation in Australia and Canada—A Review
Challenges
air quality policy
air quality management
air protection
title Air Quality Legislation in Australia and Canada—A Review
title_full Air Quality Legislation in Australia and Canada—A Review
title_fullStr Air Quality Legislation in Australia and Canada—A Review
title_full_unstemmed Air Quality Legislation in Australia and Canada—A Review
title_short Air Quality Legislation in Australia and Canada—A Review
title_sort air quality legislation in australia and canada a review
topic air quality policy
air quality management
air protection
url https://www.mdpi.com/2078-1547/15/4/43
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