Air: International air pollution control
Since air pollutants do not recognise national borders, many air quality problems cannot be resolved by one country on its own. It is only possible to reduce air pollution if neighbouring countries also take appropriate measures. In view of this, Switzerland is actively involved in a variety of international organisations that focus on limiting air pollution in Europe.
Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution
UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP)
The Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was concluded in Geneva in 1979 and entered into force in 1983. It comprises eight protocols on the reduction of specific air pollutants. Switzerland has ratified all eight protocols and the FOEN is actively involved in various CLRTAP committees.
WHO Air Quality Guidelines
The World Health Organisation (WHO) published new recommendations on air quality on 2021. Like the previous guidelines, they aim to protect human health and take into account the latest state of knowledge. The WHO recommendations have been evaluated by the Federal Commission on Air Hygiene (FCAH) for Switzerland and their conclusions and proposals were published in a report.
UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29): Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE)
The Working Party on Pollution and Energy (GRPE) is a working group of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (Working Party 29; WP.29) within the institutional framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). This group of experts draws up proposals for regulations to protect the environment from emissions and to improve the energy consumption of vehicles. The FOEN is actively involved in a number of GRPE technical working groups.