Air pollution control: policies and legislations.

Abstract

Abstract Emerging issues such as climate change, ozone layer depletion and global warming have driven policy makers to put a cap on the emission of pollutants through various legislations. Policies and legislations are the most important instrument for the proper functioning of any sector of society. Through legislative framework and regulatory policies, the fissure between the 'natural environment' and 'human society' can be bridged, which is the need of the hour in order that sustainable development and protection of the environment can progress in parallel. Legislation serves as a valuable tool for educating institutions about their responsibility in maintaining a healthy environment. Legislation has already been put forth at national and international levels but its proper implementation and enforcement has gone unseen. Witnessing the present scenario, more stringent laws need to be framed, especially by global leaders. This chapter highlights the importance of laws and policies and their role in reducing air pollution. It also critically analyses various regulatory measures and policies in the most polluted countries of the world, and what has been achieved through treaties and conventions organized by the United Nations, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Protocol.