CLRTAP: European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP)

Within the framework of UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), the EMEP is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the long-range transport of air pollutants with the aid of emission inventories, measurements and model calculations. Its activities are carried out by various centres and workgroups. The FOEN is actively involved in the EMEP and workgroups.

 The European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) encompasses three main activities:

  • Collection of emission data
  • Measurement of air pollution in the atmosphere and in precipitation
  • Modelling of atmospheric transport and deposition of air pollutants

 Emission inventories

In line with their reporting obligations, the Contracting Parties of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) submit their annually compiled pollutant emission inventories to the Centre for Emission Inventories and Projections, which is based in Vienna.

Switzerland's data are exported from its national emission inventory (EMIS).

 Measurements

The EMEP measures long-range transboundary air pollution at around 130 stations in 30 countries. For this purpose, uniform criteria apply with respect to choice of location, measurement parameters, measuring methods and quality assurance. EMEP measuring stations have to be located as far away as possible from major sources of emissions, and thus represent typical regional variations.

As a Contracting Party to the CLRTAP, Switzerland is obliged to participate in the EMEP, and 5 of the total of 16 stations that form the national air pollution monitoring network (NABEL) are integrated into the EMEP network.

Contact
Last modification 29.04.2021

Top of page

https://www.bafu.admin.ch/content/bafu/en/home/topics/air/info-specialists/international-air-pollution-control/unece-convention-on-long-range-transboundary-air-pollution--clrt/clrtap--european-monitoring-and-evaluation-programme--emep-.html