AirNow provides air quality forecasts and real-time data for nearly 400 U.S. cities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) have launched AirNow International, which provides real-time air quality data reporting from the 2010 World Expo in a city with more than 17 million inhabitants.
The Shanghai EPB will use technology developed by EPA to send air quality data to Shanghai citizens through the Internet.
“AirNow has been an extraordinary tool for helping the public understand air pollution in the United States,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “We’re pleased to be working with Shanghai to use this technology to make real-time air quality data available in China.”
EPA and Shanghai EPB developed AirNow International, building from Shanghai’s existing air quality monitoring system. EPA provided technical assistance to Shanghai.
EPA and China’s air quality collaboration includes advanced air quality modeling to increase understanding of air pollution sources, and to reduce emissions from vehicles, power plants and other industries.
The two countries also are working together to address issues related to climate change, water, toxics, solid and hazardous wastes, and environmental governance.
EPA’s AirNow program has steadily expanded in its 11 years. The program provides air quality forecasts and real-time data reporting for nearly 400 U.S. cities. See http://www.airnow.gov/.