Bronte Wells
Azerbaijan is one of the most polluted countries in the Europe and Central Asia region. During the 20th century, Azerbaijan was one of the main oil-producing and processing countries without proper environmental management. The country also produced and used large quantities of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as DDT. Oil leaks, air pollution, water pollution, and soil degradation are all significant issues in Azerbaijan, with pollution causing approximately 13.9% of deaths in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollution Ranking | Azerbaijan is one of the most polluted countries in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. |
| Air Pollution | Air pollution accounts for one in five deaths from heart disease and stroke in Azerbaijan. |
| Water Pollution | Oil leaks and spills, sewage discharge, and contaminated water have polluted the Caspian Sea and groundwater. |
| Soil Pollution | About 30,000 hectares of soil on the Absheron Peninsula are polluted by oil and industrial waste. |
| Health Impacts | Air pollution causes respiratory, pulmonary, digestive, circulatory, and immune system issues. Groundwater pollution causes cancers and bacterial diseases. |
| Ecological Problems | Water resource pollution, insufficient sewer systems, soil degradation, deforestation, and loss of freshwater. |
| Transparency Issues | NGOs face challenges in collecting data from oil refineries, and domestic oil producers have evaded regulations. |
| Government Efforts | The government has introduced laws and programs to improve the ecological situation, but their effectiveness is limited. |
| Cleanup Initiatives | Pure Earth has partnered with the government and local nonprofits for contaminated site identification and cleanup since 2012. |
| Current AQI (as of June 3, 2025) | The Air Quality Index (AQI) level in Azerbaijan is currently 28, which is considered good. |
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What You'll Learn
Oil spills and toxic agrochemicals in the Caspian Sea
Azerbaijan is one of the most polluted countries in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. During the 20th century, it was one of the world's principal oil-producing countries, but lacked adequate environmental management. This has resulted in severe pollution, including oil spills and the widespread use of toxic agrochemicals, such as DDT, in the Caspian Sea.
The Caspian Sea is a large, stand-alone inland basin, located in an area limited by 47 17 North latitude and 36 33 southern latitude coordinates. It has a maximum depth of 1025 meters and covers 44% of the world's lacustrine water. The sea has about 50 small and large islands, including the Baku archipelago, and its drainage area includes parts of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Iran, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.
The Caspian Sea region is one of the oldest oil-producing areas globally and is an increasingly vital source of energy. The area has significant oil and natural gas reserves, with both offshore deposits in the sea itself and onshore fields in the surrounding region. While most current Caspian oil comes from onshore fields, the biggest prospects for future growth lie in offshore fields, which are still relatively undeveloped.
Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, is located on the Absheron Peninsula, which meets the Caspian Sea. This area is considered the most ecologically devastated place in the world due to oil spills and the use of toxic agrochemicals. Domestic oil producers in Azerbaijan have often evaded regulations, resulting in oil leaks into the Caspian Sea. The country was also a major producer and user of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like DDT, with approximately 25,000 tons of DDT used annually during the Soviet period.
The pollution in Azerbaijan has severe health ramifications for the local population. Constant exposure to harmful vapors and contaminated water can lead to health issues affecting the pulmonary, digestive, circulatory, and immune systems. In some cases, genetic mutations can occur, and the pollution of groundwater has been linked to cancers and bacterial diseases like cholera and hepatitis.
Efforts are being made to address the pollution problem in Azerbaijan. Pure Earth, for example, has partnered with the Azerbaijani government and local nonprofits since 2012 to identify and clean up contaminated hotspots.
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Air pollution from gas flaring
Azerbaijan is one of the most polluted countries in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. During the 20th century, it was one of the principal oil-producing and processing countries without adequate environmental management. The country also heavily utilised persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as DDT, HCH, aldrin, and dieldrin.
Azerbaijan has eight terrestrial flaring sites, with five located on or near the Absheron Peninsula, including the Sangachal terminal operated by BP. This terminal is estimated to have flared over 174 million cubic meters of gas between January 2019 and May 2024, with over 7,000 people living within 5 km of it. Health complaints from nearby villagers include cancer and heart problems, which they attribute to the flaring.
The health risks of flaring pollutants are a significant concern, especially given the large number of people living in close proximity to the flares. It is estimated that about 880,000 people reside within 5 km of the active flaring sites, and around 2.2 million people, or about a fifth of Azerbaijan's population, live within 10 km. Research indicates that air pollution from flaring can increase emergency respiratory issues for people as far as 97 km downwind of the flare.
BP, Azerbaijan's largest foreign investor, has come under scrutiny for its role in gas flaring. Despite signing pledges to reduce flaring, BP's sustainability report showed a 31% increase in flaring from its global operations. In 2024, its Sangachal terminal broke records for the amount of gas flared, with flaring volumes continuing to increase in 2025. While BP claims to monitor air quality around the terminal, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned.
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Groundwater contamination
Azerbaijan is one of the most polluted countries in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. During the 20th century, it was one of the main oil-producing and processing countries without proper environmental management. The country also heavily utilised persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as DDT, HCH, aldrin, and dieldrin. As a result, groundwater contamination is a significant issue in Azerbaijan.
Groundwater pollution in Azerbaijan is primarily caused by oil spills and leaks from pipelines and storage tanks. This leads to the presence of petroleum and heavy metals in the water, along with the possibility of radiation contamination. The Absheron Peninsula, which includes the capital city of Baku, is particularly affected by oil spills and the use of toxic agrochemicals. These spills and leaks have severe environmental and health consequences. The health of the local population is at risk due to exposure to harmful vapours and contaminated water. The pollution of groundwater can cause cancers and bacterial diseases such as cholera and hepatitis.
Furthermore, the runoff from excessive pesticide and fertiliser usage, as well as the dumping of factory waste into rivers, has further degraded water quality. The salinity of the water table, caused by seawater intrusion, outdated water pipes, and broken equipment in water treatment plants, has also contributed to the deterioration of groundwater quality. The lack of transparency and coordination in the oil industry has exacerbated the problem, with domestic oil producers often evading regulations and failing to prevent oil leaks into the Caspian Sea.
However, there are efforts being made to improve the situation. Baku's new water pipeline and the government's interest in expanding regional water purification facilities indicate a positive direction. Additionally, organisations like Pure Earth have been working with the Azerbaijani government and local nonprofits since 2012 to identify and clean up contaminated sites. These initiatives provide hope for mitigating the groundwater contamination crisis in Azerbaijan and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Soil degradation and deforestation
Azerbaijan is one of the most polluted countries in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. During the 20th century, it was one of the principal oil-producing and processing countries without adequate environmental management. Oil production and industrial activities have led to land degradation, water issues, and pollution. About 30,000 hectares of soil on the Absheron peninsula are polluted by oil products and industrial waste.
The main types of soil degradation in the Kura-Aras Lowland of Azerbaijan are irrigation-induced erosion, natural water and wind erosion, and salinization. Among the 2098.8 thousand hectares of agricultural land in the lowland, 333.6 thousand hectares are subject to erosion, and 373.4 thousand hectares are affected by salinization. Soil erosion and salinization result in changes in soil bulk density and porosity and a decrease in humus and nutrient content. Improper cultivation is considered one of the main causes of land degradation in the Caucasus Mountains, especially in small-scale farming.
Deforestation and poor land management practices have also contributed to soil degradation in Azerbaijan. Approximately 42.5% of the country's territory is threatened by erosion due to these factors. The process of desertification accelerated during the second half of the twentieth century due to anthropogenic impacts, including mining activities, heavy industry, transportation, and the oil industry.
To address the problem of pollution, organizations like Pure Earth have partnered with the Azerbaijani government and local nonprofits to identify and clean up contaminated hotspots. These efforts aim to protect human health and the environment by remediating soil contaminated with toxic pesticides and other pollutants.
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Inefficient usage of natural resources
Azerbaijan has a diverse natural environment, boasting mountain ranges, forests, and coastal areas along the Caspian Sea. However, the country faces significant environmental challenges, particularly in the efficient and sustainable management of its natural resources.
Another area of concern is water resource management. Azerbaijan experiences irregular water supply, with frequent droughts and uneven distribution of water resources across the country. Inefficient irrigation practices, particularly in agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of water usage, lead to water wastage and pollution. Outdated irrigation systems and a lack of water treatment facilities contribute to the problem, causing water scarcity and pollution of water bodies with agricultural runoff.
Furthermore, land degradation is a significant issue in Azerbaijan, largely due to unsustainable land use practices and poor management of natural habitats. Deforestation, overgrazing, and improper waste disposal have led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decreased land productivity. These practices also contribute to air and water pollution, as degraded lands are more susceptible to the impacts of pollution and less capable of providing ecosystem services such as water purification and climate regulation.
To address these challenges, Azerbaijan needs to implement sustainable practices and policies that promote efficient resource use and conservation. This includes investing in renewable energy infrastructure, improving irrigation techniques, and implementing afforestation and reforestation programs. Education and awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in encouraging individuals and industries to reduce waste, recycle, and adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives and operations.
Lastly, collaboration between government, industries, and local communities is essential to finding tailored solutions to the country's specific environmental challenges. By integrating sustainable development principles into economic planning and natural resource management, Azerbaijan can work towards reducing pollution, preserving its natural environment, and ensuring a healthier future for its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
Azerbaijan is one of the most polluted countries in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region.
Azerbaijan was one of the principal oil-producing countries during the 20th century, and this industry continues to pollute the country today. Oil leaks into the Caspian Sea have occurred, and oil spills have devastated the Absheron Peninsula, which is where the capital Baku is located.
Pollution is responsible for 13.9% of deaths in Azerbaijan. It is linked to pulmonary, digestive, circulatory, and immune system problems, and in some cases, genetic mutations. Pollution also causes cancers and bacterial diseases like cholera and hepatitis.
As of June 3rd, 2025, the air quality in Azerbaijan is "'good'" and poses little to no risk.
The government of Azerbaijan has introduced laws and programs to improve the ecological situation in the country. Additionally, organizations like Pure Earth have partnered with the government and local nonprofits to identify and clean up contaminated areas.
