State of the Environment

State of the Environment reporting is one way to track environmental quality outcomes and the performance of environmental management strategies.

Various indicators are monitored, evaluated and reported throughout the year, which helps us track and understand environmental trends and make adjustments.

Four types of indicators help us monitor and manage the cumulative effects of development on the environment:

• Condition indicators measure environmental quality at any given time; for example, the level of a substance in our air or water.
• Pressure indicators measure activities that affect or impact the environment, such as air emissions or wastewater effluent.
• Response indicators measures behavioral changes that help reduce pressures on the environment as a result of management actions, such as measuring the percentage of waste diverted from landfills through a recycling program.
• Performance Indicators measure the success of management actions the government takes to improve the environment. These actions produce the desired changes in targeted condition, pressure or response indicators.

Indicator information is organized according to Air, Water, Land, and Biodiversity. These pages contain maps, graphics, detailed information, technical reports, environmental data and links to additional information.

More about State of the Environment Reporting

State of the Environment reporting continues to evolve. We welcome your feedback on current indicators and information on this site. If you have questions or comments, please email env.infocent@gov.ab.ca or call (780) 427-2700.