Stage 5: Operate a permanent, world-class, continuously improving forecasting enterpriseAt Stage 5, your air quality forecasting system operates as a permanent public service embedded in national governance, regulatory systems, planning processes, and long-term environmental management. Formal mandates, sustained funding, advanced technical capacity, transparent verification systems, and strong pa...

Stage 4: Institutionalize advanced forecasting across local, national, regional, and transboundary scales and sectorsAt Stage 4, institutionalize air quality forecasting as a mature operational service that supports multi-pollutant, multi-scale, and multi-sector air quality management. Forecasting systems should expand beyond routine public information and episode response to support policy implem...

Stage 3: Operate a forecasting system that supports episode management and decision supportAt Stage 3, transition from an initial forecasting activity toward an operational forecasting system that supports air quality event management, early warning, and government decision-making. Forecasting should become more locally grounded through improved infrastructure, formal operating procedures, locally...

Stage 2: Establish a routine, quasi-operational basic air quality forecasting functionAt Stage 2, begin developing a basic, quasi-operational Air Quality Forecasting function focused on routine public communication, awareness of current and expected air quality conditions, and preparedness for recurring or severe pollution episodes. At this stage, rely primarily on existing data, external forecast...

You will find below the Air Quality Forecasting Guidance for Stage 1. Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, and Stage 5 are also available. If you are unsure which Stage best applies to your current circumstances, take the Interactive Questionnaire to find out....

Stage 5: Move to a fully integrated legal framework and policy design systemBy Stage 5, your Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is fully adopted and implementation is underway. You are well on your way to meeting the Ambient Air Quality Standards over your jurisdiction, even if some areas might still have exceedances and require additional support. You continue to engage with the research communit...

Stage 4: Update your Ambient Air Quality Standards and source-based legislation and establish a process for national emission reduction commitments By Stage 4, you are implementing your Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) and its associated standards, policies and measures. At this Stage, you should also have an understanding of the key policy and economic priorities of your decisionmakers - a...

Stage 5: Demonstrate regional leadership, institutionalize participation, stay transparent, and share what worksStage 5 is not a destination. It is a platform for accelerating system-wide transformation and shared leadership. The work shifts from managing engagement to enabling a self-sustaining ecosystem in which civil society, communities, businesses, scientists and governments at all levels com...

Stage 4: Move from consultation to co-design and improve health-based information and alerts ​In Stage 4, the public has moved beyond basic awareness and is actively demanding specific information, accountability, and stronger government interventions. Media coverage is regular, and stakeholder groups are organizing around clean air as a public health and rights issue. More data is available to in...

Stage 5: Move to a fully mature decision support system including comprehensive integrated assessment modeling, monetization of benefits, and development of compelling policy narratives for decision-makersStage 5 represents the full maturation of an air quality management program's decision support capability. Building on the analytical foundations established in Stages 1 through 4 — from basic mo...