A report of the European Environmental Protection Agency appraises that air pollution is a leading environmental risk factor for health. It also estimates that nearly a third of European cities are exposed to air pollution above the limit allowed by UN regulations.
Smog effect -Sarajevo world’s most polluted city, poor air quality seen across Western Balkans
There are many pollutants and countless combinations of them, but some of them cause the greatest harm to human health and the environment.
The inhabitants of some cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina breathe the most polluted air in Europe and, some days, as measurements show, in the world. In Braga the air pollution isn’t as bad as in Sarajevo but ,even so it continues to be a threat to Braga inhabitants. For example, on Saturday, January 11th, Sarajevo was proclaimed the most polluted city in the world (according to Air Visual). The pollution index was from 426 to 661. Dhaka was in second place (231) and Delhi was third (214).
The European Environmental Agency estimated that Sarajevo was losing 5500 residents due to air pollution every year . Almost every fifth resident of Sarajevo dies from pollution. In Portugal, poor air quality causes 6700 premature deaths annually, according to the Environmental Association Zero, based on estimates in a report by the European Environmental Agency.
The largest sources of pollution in Sarajevo and in Braga are traffic, industry, private fireplaces (including woodburners), unplanned construction and unfavourable geographical position(Sarajevo) that causes creation of so – called air plugs. In Braga some of the greatest sources of pollution are forest fires, high concentrations of fine particles, industry, traffic and urbanization.
And how to solve this problem?
The proposal for priority measures was made on the basis of a critical analysis involving interviews with different experts. These measures can be started or fully implemented in the next three years. They constitute the modernization of vehicles (to diminish traffic pollution), the implementation of energy efficiency measures, sustainable mobility management, using renewable energy sources, construction of new roads, sustainable spatial planning, economic growth, planting trees and the expansion of district heating systems.
Sector: Trafic
Nowadays a large number of cities are experiencing an increase in transport demands. Accordingly, the authorities should focus on making the most efficient use of the available infrastructure. This can be achieved by introducing information systems that increase response efficiency to the network incidental situation, reducing maintenance costs and maintaining a high level of traffic safety.
In relation to traffic, vehicles that do not meet the appropriate standard should be prohibited. Stationary traffic management (increased parking spaces) is a great tool for improving air quality in cities. It has proved to be very effective in some European countries. Public transport in Sarajevo, as well as in the rest of the country, is not at a satisfactory level so significant capital investment is needed to improve it.
Braga implementation of a bikeway network In order to create 76 km in the city
The use of electric vehicles is a global trend in the world, mostly fuelled by the fight for the preservation of air quality in urban environments. Investing in infrastructure and selling electric vehicles could be intensified by the adoption of a strong policy that would accompany and encourage the use of that vehicle. In Braga the use of electric buses is becoming more common and people have started to take conscience of the problems that air pollution can give us and can affect the biodiversity of our planet.
Sector: Heating
One of the main causes of poor air quality in Sarajevo is the combustion of solid fuels. Therefore, the use of coal for heating buildings, as well as the sale of unlicensed wood, must be prohibited. It is also necessary to promote the energy efficiency of residential buildings.
Sector: Forest fires
Some measures to prevent forest fires are: keep the forests’ vegetation down, remove the bark of the trees and dry leaves and branches, etc. Be clear what the penalties are for the illegal burning of forest land/trees that may begin a uncontrolled fire. Set dates when people can and cannot burn.
Sector: Spatial Planning
In order to reduce the number of private vehicles, it is necessary to build pedestrian and bicycle lanes in the territory of Sarajevo. In Braga there is a project to build more bicycle lanes and also there are electric bikes that people can rent. Green areas may also make improvements to air quality. It is necessary to make more parks and gardens (spaces with urban vegetation). The planting of new trees is also a recommended measure to reduce the concentration of particle substances in the air.
And finally, stopping local tyrants from constructing buildings without taking the advice of architects is also an important factor to improve air quality.
Webgraphy:
- ANDREW TOBERT, 2020.; „3 WAYS WE CAN SOLVE THE AIR POLLUTION CRISIS“; www.greenpeace.org;
- AIR QUALITY MONITORING AT THE UNITED STATES EMBASSY COMPLEX IN SARAJEVO, 2020.; www.ba.usembassy.gov/bs/embassy/sarajevoiair -quality-monitor-sarajevo.bs/;
- AIR QUALITY INDEX IN THE CANTON OF SARAJEVO,2020.;www.fhmzbih.gov.ba;
- CLEAN AIR – UNICEF WORKS TO ADDRESS THE WORLD’S LARGEST SINGLE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISK: AIR POLLUTION, 2020.; www.unicef.org/bih/en/clean-air:
- „Air pollution – Why care (Bosnia and Herzegovina)“;2015.;eea.europa.eu/soer/countries/ba/air-pollution-why -care-bosnia:
- „COMING UP FOR CLEAN AIR IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA“; 2019.; www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/coming-clean-air-bosnia-and-herzegovina;
- „CLIMATE AND CLEAN AIR COALITION LEADERS: WE MUST SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE SHORT – LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS BY 2030“; 2019.; www.environment.org/news-and-stories/story/coming-clean-air-bosnia-and-herzegovina
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