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Legislation
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Last updated
July 26, 2025

Global legislation

Air pollution and global legislation efforts represent an increasingly coordinated international response to a crisis that knows no borders. Research documents how transboundary pollution requires coordinated policy responses, with successful legislative frameworks sharing common elements including emissions standards, monitoring requirements, and enforcement mechanisms. Studies reveal both the successes and limitations of current international agreements in addressing global air quality challenges. Discover the evidence showing which legislative approaches are most effective at reducing pollution and protecting public health across national boundaries.

WHO Air Quality Guidelines

  • Updated in 2021 to reflect stricter limits on all pollutants (Envirotech)

EU Ambient Air Quality Directive

  • Revision following the updating of WHO guidelines (Envirotech)
  • EU member states must comply with the stricter guidelines by 2030 (Envirotech)
    • If they are not met by 2026, then an air quality roadmap must be submitted by 2028
  • New monitoring requirements for ultrafine particles, black carbon, and ammonia (Envirotech)

Gothenburg Protocol

  • Amended in 2012 (UNECE, 2025)
  • Only legally binding instrument globally to reduce key atmospheric pollutants on a broad regional basis (UNECE, 2025)

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