Since the late 1960s, the complexity of environmental issues and the geographical areas affected have increased enormously. The transboundary and international nature of air pollution has meant that a nation is no longer able to effectively ensure protection of its environment through national action alone. This realization, and the desire to protect the global environment, has lead to a willingness on the part of nations to enter into international agreements aimed at environmental protection. This paper examines the current status of international agreements which have been or are being developed in the following major air pollution areas: stratoshperic ozone depletion, climate change, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals, acid rain, smog, and particulates.
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