Air pollution is a critical concern that endangers our environment and public health. Furthermore, it is a human rights issue that disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable communities, particularly children and the elderly.

According to a 2021 UNEP study for the Western Balkans, air pollution remains a dire challenge in the entire region. In Albania, air quality suffers from the combined effects of transportation, industrial activities, and domestic heating. According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index 2021, air pollution is the largest health burden for children under five in the entire Western Balkan region, with a staggering 99% of children exposed to levels of air pollutants that can severely impact their health and development, leading to lifelong consequences.

In key cities like Tirana, air quality often exceeds WHO-recommended levels for harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10). While Tirana may be on the higher end of urban pollution, other regions like Elbasan, Fier, and Korçë are similarly afflicted, primarily due to industrial emissions. A European Environment Agency assessment estimated that ambient air pollution caused 4,600 premature deaths in Albania in 2021.

This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a grim reality that translates into increased respiratory problems, healthcare costs, and pressures on public services. Poor air quality causes impaired cognitive development leading to poor school performance.

Despite Albania’s relatively better performance compared to neighbouring countries, there is no place for complacency. Albania’s air quality monitoring systems are outdated and often unreliable. A 2018 Supreme State Audit revealed that the quality monitoring data collected lacks the rigour required to inform effective policy. Furthermore, while the Directive on Ambient Air Quality has been adopted, the implementation mechanisms remain unfortunately inadequate. Albanian authorities must urgently address the shortcomings in its 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, UN, and local stakeholders is crucial. International initiatives, such as UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index and the Youth Manifesto for Air Quality and Climate Change, with young people asking for concrete steps to be undertaken, 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 eco-friendly transportation, including through the re-establishment of modernised train connections for its citizens with the region and Europe, or by funding Tirana’s future electric Bus Rapid Transport system.

It is important for Albania to bolster its National Environmental Agency, enlarge the air quality monitoring network, and ensure it has the necessary resources and expertise to monitor air quality effectively, including by setting up air quality alert systems in schools and kindergartens. In addition, regular assessments by the Institute of Public Health should become the norm, raising awareness and offering real-time data to the public through an accessible Air Quality Index.

Protecting, maintaining and increasing urban and peri-urban tree and nature cover can help reduce exposure to urban pollution. For example, trees along streets act as a physical barrier, reducing the direct flow of pollutants from traffic towards buildings. Healthy tree and nature cover can also reduce generation of and exposure to sand and dust in urban areas. The European Union will support the reforestation and forest management in Albania through its EU4Forests programme starting next year.

Urban and peri-urban trees and nature also deliver many other benefits, helping to cool cities and reduce heat islands, improve resident’s physical and mental health, reduce flood risk, provide space for community, encourage walking and biking, create green jobs, attract shoppers and tourists to shaded 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 lowering 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 greenery not only improves air quality but also creates a more sustainable, resilient environment for future generations. The European Union has joined forced with Germany to build the new Green Transport network for the city of Tirana, a zero-emission electric bus transport system significantly helping to reduce harmful emissions.

We stand at a pivotal moment in addressing air pollution in Albania. The health of children and the future of communities depend on a firm commitment to cleaner air. Let’s take collective action now to implement robust policies and strengthen monitoring systems, ensuring a healthier environment for generations to come. It’s time to prioritize the air we breathe and safeguard the health of our people.

*This piece is the first part of our joint UN-EU opinion series on ‘Climate Change and Environment Protection – time to accelerate joint action’ by EU Ambassador and UN Resident Coordinator in Albania. The next two opinion pieces will focus on Climate Change and Sustainable Tourism.

*From the Opinion Series “Climate Change and Environment Protection – time to accelerate joint action”. Fiona McCluney is the UN Resident Coordinator and Silvio Gonzato, the EU Ambassador to Albania