Three Balkan capitals—Belgrade, Pristina, and Sarajevo—have been identified as some of the most polluted cities globally, ranking among the top ten. This alarming situation is exacerbated by the onset of colder temperatures, leading to increased use of fossil fuels for heating, particularly coal and wood.
Key Takeaways
- Belgrade, Pristina, and Sarajevo rank among the top ten most polluted cities in the world.
- The air quality index (AQI) in these cities has spiked above 150, indicating unhealthy air quality.
- PM2.5 levels in Belgrade reached 98 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly exceeding WHO guidelines.
- The use of low-quality coal, wood, and even waste for heating contributes to the pollution crisis.
- Air pollution is responsible for 20% of premature deaths in the region, with residents losing an average of 1.3 years of life.
The Pollution Crisis
The recent report highlights the severe air quality issues faced by the Balkan region. The air quality index (AQI) in Belgrade, Pristina, and Sarajevo has consistently exceeded unhealthy levels, with PM2.5 particles posing a significant health risk.
- Belgrade: PM2.5 levels reached 98 µg/m³, over 19 times the World Health Organization’s annual guideline.
- Sarajevo: The situation has worsened, particularly in the evenings, with PM2.5 levels exceeding 300 µg/m³ in some areas.
- Pristina: Similar trends are observed, with high levels of air pollution affecting daily life.
Causes of Air Pollution
Experts attribute the chronic air pollution in these cities to several factors:
- Burning of Fossil Fuels: The reliance on coal and wood for heating is a primary contributor.
- Outdated Technologies: Many homes and industries use outdated heating technologies that are less efficient and more polluting.
- Traffic Emissions: Heavy traffic in urban areas exacerbates the pollution problem.
- Improper Waste Disposal: The burning of waste materials, including plastics and old furniture, adds to the toxic air.
Health Impacts
The health implications of this pollution crisis are dire. According to a UN study from 2019:
- Air pollution is responsible for 20% of premature deaths in 19 Balkan cities.
- Residents in these areas lose an average of 1.3 years of life due to poor air quality.
Conclusion
The situation in the Balkan capitals serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective environmental policies and public awareness. As winter approaches, the reliance on fossil fuels for heating will likely worsen air quality, necessitating immediate action from governments and communities to address this public health crisis.
