A Study of Legal and Managerial Approaches to Combating the Air Pollution Crisis in Metropolitan Areas

Subject Areas : Environmental policymaking

Samaneh Mohammadsoleimani ^{1 *} , Zahra Johari ²

1 - Department of environmental Science, Institute of Agriculture, Water, Food, and Nutraceuticals, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran, Department of Environmental Sciences, Waste and Wastewater Research Center, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 - Department of environmental Science, Institute of Agriculture, Water, Food, and Nutraceuticals, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran, Department of Environmental Sciences, Waste and Wastewater Research Center, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Received: 2025-07-26 Accepted : 2025-08-30 Published : 2025-08-19

Keywords: Air Pollution, Environmental Governance, Legal Framework, Clean Air Act, Institutional Management ,

Abstract :

Air pollution is one of the most significant and complex environmental challenges of the 21st century, particularly in major metropolitan areas, where it has become a critical crisis with undeniable impacts on public health, the environment, quality of life, and sustainable development. Rapid urban population growth, the sudden increase in motor vehicles, extensive use of fossil fuels, and weaknesses in clean transportation infrastructure are among the primary factors exacerbating this crisis. In Iran, metropolitan cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad face severe air pollution problems due to multiple reasons, including ineffective management systems, weak legal frameworks and related institutions, and lack of coordination among organizations. This article adopts a review and analytical approach to first examine the legal frameworks addressing air pollution in Iran and globally, then analyze the institutional structure and the performance of policies and management programs in the country. Another section is devoted to a comparative review of successful global experiences in metropolitan areas like London, Beijing, and Mexico City to extract practical lessons for improving environmental governance in Iran. Findings indicate that weak enforcement mechanisms, fragmented responsibilities, financial resource shortages, and insufficient public participation are the main obstacles to combating air pollution in Iran. Finally, recommendations such as establishing a national coordinating body with strong authority, revising existing laws, developing clean transportation, utilizing economic instruments, and enhancing transparency and public engagement are proposed. This study can serve as a foundation for policy reform and improved governance in the field of air pollution reduction in Iran's metropolitan areas.

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