For two consecutive days, Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, ranked among the top ten most polluted cities globally, according to IQAir, an international air quality monitoring company based in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Over the weekend, the air quality in Skopje reached “unhealthy” levels, with PM2.5 and PM10 particles as the primary pollutants.
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| Aerial view of a smog covered street intersection, Skopje. Illustrative photo. |
The Ministry of Environment’s data confirmed alarmingly high levels of PM10 particles in Skopje’s central area, with a concentration of 276 micrograms per cubic meter on Sunday, November 10—the highest recorded in the country this year. PM2.5 levels, which were 14 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended annual limit, posed a serious risk to public health.
The Minister of Health, Arben Taravari, highlighted that children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable to the hazardous air quality. In response, the ministry has launched a project worth over 10 million euros to install eco-friendly heating systems in more than ten hospitals across North Macedonia, aiming to reduce air pollution from heating sources.
Environmental activists, such as Goran Lefkov from the Center for Investigative Journalism SCOOP, criticize the government’s inaction on the pollution crisis. Lefkov points out that, based on a 2016-2017 study, air pollution in Skopje primarily comes from transportation (30%), heating (20%), and construction. He advocates for investment in public transportation systems, like a tram system, to replace outdated electric buses, as well as the expansion of cycling infrastructure.
NGO leader Metin Muharemi from CED, based in Tetovo, also argues that authorities need to implement preventive measures before the heating season begins. While the government recently distributed 80% of planned subsidies for energy-efficient air conditioning units, critics say there is a lack of transparency and inadequate support for widespread adoption.
The pollution crisis is not confined to Skopje; other cities like Bitola, Tetovo, Gostivar, Kičevo, and Ohrid also experience high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 during winter months. The North Macedonian Institute of Public Health reported that approximately 18% of overall mortality in the country is linked to PM2.5 exposure. Further, the European Environment Agency estimates that air pollution contributes to over 5,000 premature deaths annually in North Macedonia.