Is the environment getting better or worse?
Over the 1990 to 2006 period, the indicators for greenhouse gas emissions and ground-level ozone exposure showed a worsening trend. No trend was detected for the particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure indicator. Water quality trends cannot be reported at this time because water quality monitoring data have only been available since 2001. Changes over the past three years are more positive but continued tracking is needed before there is any certainty. Although other aspects of the environment are not covered by the CESI indicators, it is hoped that with future improvements the program will be able to provide a more definitive picture of the health of the environment and how it changes over time.
