ABSTRACT
Air pollution means the introduction by humans, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the air resulting in deleterious effects of such a nature as to endanger human health, harm living resources, ecosystems, and material property, and impair or interfere with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment. One would expect a global comprehensive regime on air pollution, including on its transboundary dimension, but there is none today, except for the significant role the World Health Organization plays, with its indicative guidelines on ambient air pollution, in influencing debates and policies across the world. Fundamentally, air pollution is a sensitive stake. On the one hand, states tend to resist the adoption of strict rules that could impact their sovereignty and industrial activity. On the other hand, air quality is a matter of health protection, fundamental rights, and environmental equity, and a transboundary and intercontinental approach is necessary in a world of industrial competition and trade globalization.
