Special Session: Air Quality Data Sharing and Public Reporting in Asia

Abstract:

The theme of Better Air Quality 2008 recognizes the significant impact that rapid economic growth throughout Asia is having on urban air quality. In response, many developing countries are installing air quality monitoring networks and beginning to forecast air pollution levels. While these are positive responses, the data collected through these efforts are not fully utilized without a mechanism for effectively processing, communicating, and sharing data and information with other stakeholders in the air quality management process.

This session would allow attendees to learn more about the benefits of regional collaboration through air quality data sharing. Specifically, the session would bring together Asian countries (e.g., South Korea, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, and China) that have made significant progress in public reporting of air quality data. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s AIRNow-International system would also be highlighted as a stand-alone air quality data management system that countries could use as a mechanism for data sharing and public notification.