The Working Group on Effects (WGE)

The Working Group on Effects provides information about the impacts of major air pollutants on human health and the environment and indicators to evaluate air pollution effects.

The Working Group on Effects provides information on the degree and geographic extent of the effects of major air pollutants, such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides, ozone, volatile organic compounds, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, particulate matter, including black carbon, and ammonia on human health and the environment. WGE provides information on policy-relevant user-friendly indicators to evaluate air pollution effects on the environment and health.

WGE identifies the most endangered areas, ecosystems, and other receptors by considering damage to human health, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and materials, providing information on policy-relevant user-friendly indicators to evaluate air pollution effects on the environment and health. An important part of this work is long-term monitoring.

The work is underpinned by scientific research on dose-response, critical loads and levels and damage evaluation. The Working Group meets annually to discuss the results of the international programmes and the current and future needs of the Convention. Here, current and future work is discussed with the aim to meet the needs of the Convention. A biannual workplan is developed for consideration by the Executive Body of the Convention. Important results are presented to the Executive Body.