Designing Effective Environmental Regimes: The Case of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP)

Abstract

This paper analyses the impact of the design of the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) on the control of transboundary air pollution in Europe. The history of CLTRAP is reviewed briefly: its origin as part of the East-West détente process of the 1970's has had considerable influence on its design. Germany's shift from environmental laggard to environmental leader in 1982 had a crucial impact on the effectiveness of the regime. Although transboundary air pollution in Europe has been reduced considerably, it is considered that the CLTRAP regime was only moderately effective in promoting this: much of it would have happened anyway. It has, however, been very effective in raising awareness of air pollution issues and providing a negotiating forum. [Abstract supplied by editor].