Bosnia and Herzegovina Cities Top Global Air Pollution Rankings

Since the end of last week, cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have surged to the top of global air pollution rankings. The Sarajevo Times reports that on the morning of December 12, with changing weather conditions, air quality deteriorated in the capital city of Sarajevo, as well as in the cities of Maglaj and Zenica.

Under these conditions, individuals with heart and respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may experience intensified symptoms and increased severity of these ailments. Healthy individuals may also begin to feel the negative effects of pollution on their well-being.

Experts attribute the decline in air quality to the burning of solid fuels in residential homes and the operation of vehicles. They specifically note that the high cost of living in the country compels people to choose cheaper solid fuels for heating and drive older vehicles with higher emissions of pollutants.

Local sources indicate that gas usage in the capital city has dropped by 18% this year compared to the previous year due to increased prices. Despite this, the Sarajevo government has pledged to make the city carbon-neutral by 2035, a goal that currently seems quite unrealistic. According to the World Bank, Bosnia has one of the highest levels of air pollution with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Europe. Burning solid fuels for heating homes and the transportation sector contribute approximately 50% and 20%, respectively, to this figure.

Enis Krečinić, an ecology expert from the Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia, points out that most people would prefer to use more environmentally friendly fuels but are forced to use what they can afford.

"The social aspect influences what people will use to heat their homes, what cars they will drive, and what fuel they will choose," noted Enis Krečinić.

The geographical location of some cities, particularly Sarajevo, in valleys surrounded by mountains, contributes to the deterioration of air quality. Despite the closure of mining and heavy industries, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains one of the most polluted countries in Europe.

It's worth noting that the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine has estimated environmental damages due to Russia's armed aggression at 10 billion dollars. Despite this, Ukraine continues to plan and commit to its international obligations and has no intention of abandoning its climate goals despite the ongoing war initiated by Russia.