Assessment of CO₂ Concentration Reduction Potential through Green Chemistry Principles: A Survey-Based Case Study of Kabul City

Abstract

Kabul City is experiencing increasing environmental pressure from rapid urban expansion, dependence on fossil fuels, traffic growth, declining green spaces, and limited emission-control infrastructure. This study assessed experts' perceptions of the potential of green chemistry principles to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations and related emissions underKabul's current economic and infrastructural conditions. We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods survey of 29 purposively selected participants with academic or professional backgrounds in chemistry, environmental science, engineering, public health, and policy-related fields. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire containing five-point Likert-scale and open-ended questions. We analyzed quantitative responses using descriptive statistics and reviewed qualitative comments thematically. Overall, 96% of responses were positive, comprising 50% agreement and 46% strong agreement, and the overall mean score was 4.14 (SD = 0.70). Respondents expressed particularly strong support for renewable energy, urban greening, cleaner transportation, catalytic process improvement, safer materials, and low-carbon construction practices. Immediate mitigation action received a mean score of 4.60 (SD = 0.56). The findings indicate that experts consider preventive and locally adaptable green chemistry measures more feasible for Kabul than capital-intensive CO₂ capture and conversion technologies. Because the study was perception-based and did not directly measure atmospheric CO₂ concentrations or emission reductions, the results should serve as an exploratory basis for future emission inventories, field monitoring, pilot projects, and quantitative modeling.