Pollution in Albania is the main cause of diseases in children under 5 years old

The United Nations requires immediate measures to reduce pollution levels in Tirana and in the country's big cities. In major cities such as Tirana, air quality often exceeds WHO recommended levels for harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10).

While Tirana may be at the highest level of urban pollution, other regions such as Elbasani, Fieri and Korça are equally affected, mainly due to industrial emissions. An assessment by the European Environment Agency concluded that air pollution in the environment has caused 4,600 premature deaths in Albania in 2021.

This is not just a statistic; it's a grim reality that translates into increased respiratory problems, health care costs and pressures on public services. Poor air quality impairs cognitive development leading to poor school performance, said Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator and Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania, in an opinion piece on "Climate Change and environmental protection – time to accelerate joint action'"

McCluney noted that air pollution is a critical concern that endangers our environment and public health. Moreover, it is a human rights issue that disproportionately affects our most vulnerable communities, especially children and the elderly. According to a 2021 UNEP study on the Western Balkans, air pollution remains a pressing challenge across the region.

In Albania, air quality suffers from the combined effects of transport, industrial activities and residential heating. Meanwhile, according to the UNICEF Climate Risk Index for Children 2021, air pollution is the biggest health burden for children under five across the Western Balkans region, with 99% of children exposed to levels of air pollutants that can severely affect their health and development, leading to lifelong consequences.

Despite Albania's relatively better performance compared to neighboring countries, there is no room for complacency.

Air quality monitoring systems in Albania are outdated and often unreliable. The Supreme State Audit found in 2018 that the data collected for quality monitoring lacked the rigor required to inspire effective policies. Furthermore, although the Ambient Air Quality Directive has been adopted, the enforcement mechanisms remain, unfortunately, insufficient. Albanian authorities must urgently address deficiencies in the air quality monitoring network and ensure that data is shared transparently with the public.

Albania is not alone in facing this challenge and the international community is here to support the country. A unified approach involving the EU, the UN and local stakeholders is essential. International initiatives such as UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index and the Youth Manifesto on Air Quality and Climate Change, with young people calling for concrete action, provide essential frameworks for action.

These initiatives highlight the critical need for public awareness and education about air quality and its direct impact on health. The EU accompanies Albania in its green transition by supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly transport, including the restoration of modernized train lines for its citizens with the region and Europe, as well as financing the future electric system of fast bus transport in Tirana.

It is important that Albania strengthens its National Environment Agency, expands its air quality monitoring network and ensures that it has the necessary resources and expertise to monitor air quality effectively, including the establishment of monitoring systems. alarm for air quality in schools and kindergartens. Also, regular assessments by the Public Health Institute should become the norm, raising awareness and providing real-time data to the public through an accessible Air Quality Index.

Protecting, maintaining and enhancing urban and peri-urban tree and nature cover can help reduce exposure to urban pollution.

For example, trees along roads act as a physical barrier, reducing the direct flow of pollutants from traffic to buildings. Healthy tree and nature cover can also reduce the generation and exposure to sand and dust in urban areas. The European Union will support reforestation and forest management in Albania through its "EU for Forests" program that will start next year.

Trees and urban and peri-urban nature bring many other benefits, helping to cool cities and reduce heat islands, improving the physical and mental health of residents, reducing flood risk, providing community space, encouraging of walking and cycling, creating green jobs, attracting shoppers and tourists to shady streets, and much more.

Promoting green mobility, such as the use of electric vehicles and the adoption of sustainable business practices, plays a critical role in reducing urban pollution and fostering healthier cities. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing air pollution levels in densely populated areas. When combined with sustainable urban planning and business models that prioritize environmental responsibility, these efforts can lead to cleaner air and more livable urban spaces.

Integrating green mobility with urban greening not only improves air quality, but also creates a more sustainable and resilient environment for future generations. The European Union has joined forces with Germany to build the new green transport network for the city of Tirana, a zero-emission electric bus transport system that significantly helps reduce harmful emissions.

We are at a key moment in the treatment of air pollution in Albania. The health of children and the future of communities depend on a strong commitment to cleaner air. Let's take collective action now to implement strong policies and strengthen monitoring systems, ensuring a healthier environment for generations to come. It's time to prioritize the air we breathe and protect the health of our people.

*This article is the first part of our joint UN-EU opinion series on 'Climate change and environmental protection – time to accelerate joint action' by the EU Ambassador and UN Resident Coordinator in Albania . The next two articles will focus on climate change and sustainable tourism./ Monitor