Majestic mountains, cityscapes, shoreline vistas - these are all things that we enjoy gazing at and admiring - especially on a clear day. Our enjoyment of these viewscapes can rejuvenate the mind and contribute to our sense of well-being.
British Columbia is known for its spectacular vistas - our natural environment is highly valued and is an important aspect of our exceptional quality of life. In addition, these beautiful vistas provide economic benefits through increased tourism, property values, and business investment, making BC an attractive place to work, live and visit.
Benefits of Good Visibility
This visibility-health connection is well-founded. The microscopic particles that degrade visibility are also associated with an increased risk of cardiorespiratory disease.
A reduction in visibility can also have a negative impact on tourism, an important economic sector in BC. A single poor visibility day in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley is estimated to cause an economic loss of almost $9 million in future tourist revenue (Environment Canada, McNeill and Roberge 2000).
A recent study found that First Nations' cultural values and traditional knowledge are impacted when clear views of spiritually important mountains are obscured by air pollution.
Air Pollution and Visibility
Air pollution is the main cause for poor visibility and is a threat to our beautiful vistas in B.C. This effect even occurs when air pollutant concentrations are low enough to not pose a significant health risk. Microscopic particles affect visibility by absorbing or scattering sunlight, making distant objects hard to see and reducing the contrast in a viewscape. When the sky is deep blue in colour, particle concentrations are low. A light blue or greyer sky indicates higher particle concentrations.
Visibility is affected by all pollution sources — local, regional and global. In order to preserve the scenic views that we enjoy, we can all play a part in preserving visibility by making responsible choices to help protect air quality.
Visibility and Pollutant Reduction
The importance of visibility is reflected in the goals and activities of our partner agencies. For example, one of the goals of Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality Management Plan is to “improve visibility" and the Georgia Basin-Puget Sound International Airshed Strategy Coordinating Committee's goals include "increasing visibility" and "reducing regional haze."
Learn more about what you can do to help protect visibility in your community.