Strategies for Atmospheric Pollution Abatement and Control

One of the main components of Earth’s interdependent physical systems is the atmosphere which is made of layers of gases. The heat-trapping ability of the atmosphere helps to keep the Earth warm enough for life, and it also protects the Earth from harmful solar radiation and cosmic rays. Over the years, human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrialisation, urbanisation, and agricultural practices, among others, have had an impact on the atmosphere and are increasingly influencing the Earth’s temperature and climate variability. Some of these activities add enormous amounts of greenhouse gases to those naturally occurring in the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect and global warming. There are two variants of atmospheric pollution resulting from human activities: one associated with pollution of the air and the other on noise. This chapter discusses the strategies for atmospheric pollution abatement and control focusing on the nature of air pollution, its impact as well as strategies for abatement. Noise pollution, as a component of atmospheric pollution, is also discussed noting its concept, sources, effects, abatement strategies, and use of legislation in prosecuting offenders. Although air pollution is discussed generally using a mix of international and national legal instruments, the focus on noise pollution is mainly on Nigeria.