Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital has garnered attention as the world’s most polluted city, marked by an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 301, categorizing its air quality as “very unhealthy.” Data from IQAir, a Swiss monitoring entity, reveals this concerning status, prompting sporadic toxic fog in the city since December and leading some residents to wear masks.
This air quality predicament in Sarajevo isn’t a recent occurrence. Back in 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of Europe’s most polluted countries, citing its air quality among the world’s direst.
The situation has only deteriorated since then, witnessing a 3% annual rise in emissions and pollution over the last decade. Several factors contribute to this, including the proliferation of tall buildings hindering airflow, the prevalence of old, highly polluting vehicles, and an escalating reliance on coal for heating. Local authorities have initiated measures to tackle the severity of air pollution, such as enhancing public transport and promoting energy-efficient buildings.
Sarajevo finds itself among the 100 cities targeted by the European Union (EU) for achieving net-zero emissions by the decade’s end. The EU is actively formulating action plans and investment strategies toward climate neutrality, encompassing collaboration with private sectors, citizens, and research organizations across various sectors like energy and transportation.
Bosnia confronts widespread air pollution concerns due to its dependence on coal and wood for heating and electricity. The World Bank estimates that around 3,300 Bosnians suffer premature deaths annually due to air pollution, constituting 9% of the total yearly mortality rate notably, Sarajevo and the northwestern city of Banja Luka shoulder approximately 16% of this health burden. The persistent challenges in air quality underscore the urgent necessity for comprehensive efforts addressing the core sources of pollution and prioritizing the overall well-being of the population.
