Air pollution is keeping children indoors in Bosnian capital

⭐ Join our community and access the best we offer!

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, faces severe air pollution
• Flights were canceled, children were told to stay indoors, and construction halted as thick fog caused air quality to deteriorate
• The city’s air quality is ranked "unhealthy" by IQAir
• Residential heating and transport emissions are primary causes, worsened by a valley geography and ongoing construction projects

🔭 The context: Sarajevo often ranks among the worst cities for air quality globally, especially in winter when pollution peaks
• PM2.5 levels, tiny harmful particles, are ten times higher than recommended
• It causes health risks like respiratory issues, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases
• Experts call for long-term solutions, including the switch to environmentally friendly heating systems

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Sarajevo’s pollution is a stark reminder of the environmental and public health challenges faced by many urban centers
• Poor air quality has far-reaching impacts on citizens’ health and quality of life
• The region’s environmental record, alongside unaddressed air pollution, shows the urgent need for systemic changes to address climate and health issues.

⏭️ What’s next: Authorities are expected to implement sustainable solutions to reduce air pollution
• Long-term strategies for better heating systems and stricter environmental enforcement are necessary
• Other Balkan cities like Belgrade also face similar air quality challenges

💬 One quote: “We need a systematic solution,” said Enis Krečinić, air pollution expert

📈 One stat: PM2.5 levels in Sarajevo are 10 times higher than the recommended safe levels

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance — carbon credit purchases, total emissions, and climate targets of thousands of companies

Click for more news covering the latest on pollution