Air pollution

The onset of the New Year has ushered in a worrying surge in pollution across Bulgaria. Reports from the European Air Quality Index have flagged 11 cities in the country, including Sofia, for hazardous levels of particulate matter, double the permissible limits.

Today's air quality remains alarmingly hazardous across several cities, with fine dust particles soaring well above acceptable levels. The anticipated wind movement offers a glimmer of hope in dispersing the pollution that has gripped numerous urban areas.

Alarming levels of air pollution are plaguing several key cities across Bulgaria, exceeding established safety thresholds by more than double, as revealed by both the official European air quality index and the Bulgarian civil platform, airbg.info. Responding to the precarious air quality in Sofia, the municipal authorities urgently advocate for increased reliance on public transportation.

A concerning breach of air quality standards has been raised by the civic platform, https://airsofia.info/, triggering a red flag for the city's air pollution crisis.

Reports indicate a startling doubling of pollution levels in various parts of Sofia, hitting a staggering 50 micrograms per cubic meter, way beyond acceptable limits.

With the demand for fossil fuels for heating purposes growing in the winter months and traffic in Istanbul worsening, experts warn that smoke from burning coal and wood in households and rising pollution in the city could leave citizens more susceptible to heart and lung diseases.

Sofia Municipality has initiated a Low-emission Zone (LEZ) within the city's downtown area, effective until February 29, 2024, as announced by the municipality's press center. Encompassing the small ring, the zone includes key thoroughfares like Vasil Levski, Patriarch Evtimiy, and Slivnitsa boulevards, as well as Gen. Skobelev and Opalchenska streets. Read more about the zone borders here.

Sofia is set to implement a Low-Emission Zone (LEZ) from December 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, within the city's central ring. The LEZ aims to tackle air quality issues, mandated by a court decision and the previous municipal council.

A groundbreaking study has uncovered a significant connection between air pollution and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Air pollution on the islands is at low levels compared to mainland Greece.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided a 70 million-euro loan to TürkTraktör in Türkiye to support the company in modernizing its manufacturing facilities and expand its green investments.