Yerevan is currently enveloped in a severe air pollution crisis that has captured the attention of both residents and experts alike. Social media platforms have become a battleground for discussions and alerts about the city’s alarming degradation of air quality.
According to recent measurements from air quality monitoring systems, the pollution levels in Yerevan have surged to between 5 and 7 times the global health standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). While the WHO suggests a safe pollution index should not exceed 50, Yerevan’s air quality has recently peaked at an astonishing 430, making it a focal point of worry across various social media channels.
The reasons behind this environmental emergency are multifaceted. Experts have identified increased emissions from vehicles, ongoing industrial activities, and particularly adverse weather conditions that prevent the natural dispersion of pollutants. Yerevan’s dense urban structure only aggravates the situation, trapping pollutants within the city.
This year’s environmental degradation has been further worsened by municipal decisions, including the significant reduction of urban greenery through tree felling and the granting of numerous construction permits. These actions have decreased the natural filtration capacity of the city. Moreover, pollution sources like the Sovetashen dump and open-pit mines within city limits contribute to the already dire air quality.
Yerevan’s plight stands out when juxtaposed with other regional and global cities. For example, Baku and Tbilisi, neighboring capitals, typically manage to keep their pollution levels below 150, even on their worst days. Larger cities like Moscow or Tehran, known for industrial pollution, maintain indices between 150 and 250. Ankara generally keeps its air quality under 100, except in extreme conditions. Meanwhile, cities notorious for air pollution like New Delhi or Beijing, though they often see indices over 300, do not maintain such high levels consistently as Yerevan has recently.
The health implications of this pollution spike are dire. Long-term exposure to such polluted air can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic health problems. The most vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and those with existing medical conditions—are at greatest risk.
In response, there’s a rising clamor for immediate action. Environmental activists and NGOs are pushing for stringent regulations on vehicle emissions and industrial outputs, advocating for the expansion of green areas, enhancement of public transport systems, and investment in clean, renewable energy sources.
As debates rage on, the citizens of Yerevan are urged to take personal precautions, such as wearing masks and reducing outdoor activities during peak pollution times. This crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban development and environmental policy reform to protect the health and future of Yerevan’s inhabitants. Without swift and decisive action, the city risks not only the health of its people but also its livability and appeal as a cultural and economic hub.
