Meghan Hodges
Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is considered one of the most polluted cities in Europe. The city is enveloped in a smog of pollution every winter, with the concentration of poisonous particles in the air spiking to record heights. The pollution is caused by a combination of geographical factors and the use of non-eco-friendly residential heating sources, such as burning wood or even plastic. The high mountains surrounding the city trap the polluted air, and during temperature inversions, a layer of warm air forms a lid over the city, trapping the smog and fumes. While there have been some efforts to improve the air quality, such as banning petrol with sulphur and switching to gas for district heating, the city continues to struggle with chronic pollution issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution ranking | Second most polluted city in the world in 2022, after Dhaka in Bangladesh |
| Air pollution ranking in Europe | Consistently one of the most polluted cities in Europe; in 2022, it was the 45th most polluted city in Europe |
| Air pollution ranking in Macedonia | Skopje is the most polluted city in Macedonia |
| Air pollution levels | In 2018, levels of PM10 exceeded EU limits for a total of 202 days in the city |
| Air pollution levels | In 2018, a study found that the air in Skopje was so clogged with pollutants that residents died two to three years earlier on average than they would have without this environmental factor |
| Air pollution levels | In 2023, a Guardian analysis found that Skopje is home to three of the most polluted districts in Europe |
| Air pollution causes | Non-eco-friendly residential heating, such as burning wood or even plastic, is considered one of the chief contributors to pollution during the cold winters |
| Air pollution causes | Two-thirds of Skopje's residents burn wood, often using low-quality fuel in inefficient stoves, with some burning rubbish when they cannot afford anything else |
| Air pollution causes | Dirty fuel, bad design, and tricky terrain have choked the capital of North Macedonia for decades |
| Air pollution causes | The hills and mountains that circle Skopje trap toxins and keep them in the city, especially during temperature inversions when a layer of warm air forms a "lid" over the city, trapping smog and fumes |
| Air pollution solutions | An app called AirCare was developed in 2015 to help residents of Skopje understand the extent and location of the city's air pollution |
| Air pollution solutions | The city has banned petrol that contains sulphur and has switched its district heating plants to run on gas instead of oil |
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What You'll Learn
Skopje is the second most polluted city in the world
Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is the second most polluted city in the world, preceded only by Dhaka in Bangladesh. The city is home to three of Europe's most polluted districts, where the air is among the most menacing of any city in the continent.
Skopje's air is filled with particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, known as PM2.5. These fine particles can slip through the lungs and into the veins, wreaking havoc on the organs. A study in 2018 found that the air in Skopje was so clogged with pollutants that residents died two to three years earlier on average than they would have without this "largely preventable" environmental factor. The social cost of Skopje's air pollution is estimated to be between €0.5 billion and €1.5 billion.
The city's pollution problem is caused by a combination of factors, including dirty fuel, bad design, and tricky terrain. The city sits in a valley where ageing factories are located close to homes and offices. During winter, residents burn waste wood and rubbish to stay warm, and the warm air rises to meet the cold mountain air above, forming a lid that traps the smog and fumes. The surrounding mountains, which usually keep citizens safe from smog, also trap toxins, keeping the polluted air locked in the city.
The pollution in Skopje has had a significant impact on the health of its residents. Many people suffer from respiratory problems, allergies, and infections. The AirCare app, developed by Gorjan Jovanovski in 2015, has helped to raise awareness about the city's air pollution, allowing residents to understand the extent and severity of the problem. Protests have been held, and while solutions have been promised, the citizens of Skopje continue to breathe polluted air.
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Air pollution causes health issues for residents
Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is considered one of the most polluted cities in Europe and the world. The city is characterised by high levels of air pollution, which has raised significant concerns among its residents regarding their health and well-being.
Air pollution in Skopje has been linked to a range of health issues for its residents. The city's air is often filled with particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, known as PM2.5. These fine particles can infiltrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing harm to various organs in the body. A 2018 study revealed that the air pollution in Skopje led to residents dying up to three years earlier on average than they would have without this environmental factor, demonstrating the severe health implications associated with the city's poor air quality.
The respiratory system is particularly affected by the polluted air in Skopje. Many residents report respiratory problems, including asthma, upper respiratory infections, and constant nasal congestion. The high concentration of pollutants in the air exacerbates these issues, making it difficult for people to breathe and leading to a rise in hospital visits related to respiratory ailments.
In addition to respiratory illnesses, the air pollution in Skopje has been associated with allergies and other health complications. Residents have reported struggles with allergies and frequent respiratory infections, indicating a direct correlation with the polluted environment. The toxic air also poses risks to vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, who may experience more severe health effects from exposure to pollutants.
The primary contributors to Skopje's air pollution are non-eco-friendly residential heating methods and geographical factors. During winters, many residents burn wood, and sometimes even plastic, to stay warm due to high energy costs and inadequate insulation in older buildings. The surrounding mountains trap the polluted air, creating a "lid" that prevents the dispersal of harmful particles. This phenomenon is known as temperature inversion, where a layer of warm air traps cold, polluted air in the valley, exacerbating the air quality issues.
While there have been some efforts to improve the situation, such as banning high-sulphur petrol and transitioning heating plants to gas, the city continues to grapple with chronic air pollution. The development of the AirCare app has played a crucial role in raising awareness among residents about the severity of the problem, and there is a growing movement advocating for change and improved air quality in Skopje.
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Households burn wood and rubbish for heating
The air in Skopje, North Macedonia, is considered some of the most polluted in the world. The city's natural position, surrounded by mountains, and people's reliance on fossil fuels are the main causes of this.
In winter, the temperature inversion creates a "seal" of warm air over the valley, locking in cold air, smog, and fumes. This is exacerbated by the burning of wood and rubbish by residents for heating. Indeed, a survey by the United Nations Development Programme found that 85% of households in rural areas of Skopje, and 35% in central urban areas, heat their homes with wood-burning devices, most of which are inefficient and polluting. Two-thirds of residents burn wood, often using low-quality fuel in inefficient stoves, and some burn rubbish when they cannot afford anything else. This is a major cause of indoor and outdoor pollution and poses health risks such as pneumonia and other respiratory problems.
The high cost of electricity and the lack of a reliable gas supply are reasons why residents turn to burning wood and rubbish. Many residents cannot afford to heat their homes, and central heating is only available in urbanised parts of the city, with many finding the price too high. The social cost of Skopje's air pollution is estimated to be between €0.5 billion and €1.5 billion.
Experts have called for measures to help households switch to cleaner fuels, as well as stricter controls on factories and traffic to improve the air quality in Skopje.
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Air pollution is exacerbated by geographical factors
Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is considered one of the most polluted cities in Europe. It is home to three of the most polluted districts on the continent, according to a Guardian analysis based on modelling of European air quality data. The city's air pollution is exacerbated by several geographical factors, which contribute to the high levels of particulate matter and smog.
One significant geographical factor is the surrounding mountainous terrain. The hills and mountains that encircle Skopje can trap pollutants, including smog and fumes, within the city. During winter, a temperature inversion occurs, creating a "seal" of warm air over the valley, which traps cold air, smog, and pollutants below. This inversion results in a layer of warm air acting as a lid over the city, preventing the dispersal of pollutants.
The geographical location of Skopje in a valley further exacerbates the air pollution issue. The city's low-lying position contributes to the trapping of pollutants, particularly during temperature inversions. Additionally, the valley facilitates the concentration of pollutants from various sources, including residential heating, industrial activities, and transportation.
Residential heating practices in Skopje also contribute to air pollution, especially during the cold winter months. High energy costs and inadequate insulation in many buildings lead residents to burn wood, low-quality fuel, and even plastic to stay warm. The burning of these materials releases harmful pollutants into the air, further degrading the city's air quality.
Moreover, the lack of wind during winter in Skopje exacerbates the pollution problem. Unlike other cities that benefit from wind to blow away bad air, the stagnant air in Skopje allows pollutants to accumulate and persist, leading to prolonged exposure to harmful air quality for residents.
While geographical factors play a significant role in exacerbating air pollution in Skopje, it is important to note that other factors, such as industrial activities, transportation, and energy policies, also contribute to the city's overall air quality issues.
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The AirCare app has raised awareness about pollution
Air pollution is a serious issue that affects people worldwide, and the AirCare app has played a significant role in raising awareness about it. The app provides users with valuable information about air quality and pollen levels, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
The AirCare app offers a comprehensive set of features that empower users to stay safe from air pollution and its adverse effects. One of its key features is the Air Quality Index (AQI), which provides real-time data on air pollution levels in any country worldwide. This allows users to monitor the air quality in their specific location and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from harmful pollutants.
In addition to the AQI, AirCare includes pollen tracking and forecasts, helping users with allergies to stay ahead of their symptoms. The app tracks various types of pollen, including tree, grass, and weed pollen, in the US and Europe. By following these pollen levels, individuals can avoid allergic reactions and plan their outdoor activities accordingly.
Another important aspect of AirCare is its UV index tracking capability. Users can stay informed about the UV levels at their location and take appropriate measures to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure. This feature is particularly useful for those who spend time outdoors, helping them avoid sunburn and other potential health risks associated with UV radiation.
Furthermore, AirCare provides information about fire hotspots detected by NASA satellites. This feature alerts users to the presence of wildfires in their vicinity, allowing them to take precautionary actions and stay safe. Additionally, the app offers a breakdown of specific air pollutants, such as PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3, empowering users with detailed knowledge about the air they breathe.
The AirCare app has been widely recognised for its contributions to raising awareness about pollution. It has been featured by renowned organisations such as Forbes, BBC, NASA, Google, and the United Nations. The app's accuracy and reliability have been praised, with users commending its data intelligence solutions and responsive customer support.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but it is one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2022, it was the 45th most polluted city in Europe. As of 2022, it is the second most polluted city in the world, preceded by Dhaka in Bangladesh.
The city of Skopje is surrounded by high mountains, which trap air pollution. During the winter, a temperature inversion creates a "seal" of warm air over the valley, which locks cold air, smog, and fumes inside. Non-eco-friendly residential heating, such as burning wood or even plastic, is considered one of the chief contributors to the pollution during the cold winters.
Citizens of Skopje have demanded action and answers to why the air is so toxic. An app called AirCare was developed in 2015 to help people understand where the pollution is and how bad it is. The city has banned petrol that contains sulphur and has switched its district heating plants to run on gas instead of oil.
