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The Evolution of Atmospheric Protection Policies in Response to Increased Airborne Pollutants

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

  • Mohammed Abdul Jaleel Maktoof 1

  • Abdulsatar Shaker Salman 2

  • Sameer Dawood Salman Bazool 3

  • Jassim Kadhi Kabrch 4

  • Abdalfattah Sharad 5

  • Fakher Rahim 6

  1. 1 Department of Law, Al-Turath University, Baghdad 10013, Iraq
  2. 2 Al-Mansour University College, Baghdad 10067, Iraq
  3. 3 Al-Mamoon University College, Baghdad 10012, Iraq
  4. 4 Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad 10064, Iraq
  5. 5 Madenat Alelem University College, Baghdad 10006, Iraq
  6. 6 Department of Internal Medicine, Osh State University, Osh, Kyrgyzstan
DOI icon https://doi.org/10.22034/ewe.2025.526509.2025

Abstract

Airborne pollutants such as PM₂.₅ and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) have become critical threats to public health, climate stability, and environmental sustainability. Despite decades of regulatory interventions, challenges persist due to evolving pollutant profiles, transboundary dispersion, and uneven policy implementation across regions. This study investigates the evolution and comparative effectiveness of atmospheric protection policies implemented between 1990 and 2024, with the goal of identifying successful regulatory mechanisms and persistent barriers to enforcement in varying geopolitical contexts. The study employs a multidisciplinary framework combining doctrinal legal analysis with empirical air quality data and statistical modeling. Data from global air monitoring systems, international treaties, and national legislative records were analyzed using multiple linear regression, ANOVA, and spatio-temporal autoregressive models. New evaluative metrics, including Policy Impact Function (PIF), Policy Elasticity of Emission Reduction (PEER), and Tech-Policy Synergy Index (TPSI) were developed to quantify policy outcomes. Results indicate that hybrid and market-based policies reduced emissions by up to 50%, outperforming command-and-control approaches. Technological integration, especially AI-supported monitoring, significantly enhanced responsiveness. Legal certainty and public engagement correlated strongly with compliance (CYR = 91% in developed regions), while funding and capacity shortfalls hindered performance in developing nations.

Keywords

Subjects

 Air pollution

References
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Environment and Water Engineering

Volume 11, Issue 2
March 2025

Pages 208 - 218

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History
  • Receive Date: 27 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 31 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 22 June 2025
  • Publish Date: 01 June 2025
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