There are strong links between the problems of climate change and air pollution, in particular the fact that emissions from fossil fuel combustion contribute significantly to both problems. Consequently, measures to abate emissions of greenhouse gases may show strong co-benefits in terms of less air pollution and vice versa.

The United States and Canada want ships to burn cleaner fuel when approaching the continent to reduce smog-related deaths.

The European Parliament agreed in December to a proposal that emissions of nitrogen oxides from new heavy duty vehicles shall be cut by 80 per cent and those of particulate matter by 66 per cent, as compared to existing standards.