Almost half of the entire population of Armenia lives permanently and temporarily in Yerevan.
This winter, the average daily exceedance of the dust concentration in Yerevan was observed to be 3.4 times higher on December 5-6, 2024, which, according to the regulations in force in Armenia, is considered unfavorable. The Health Ministry cannot assess the impact of dust on health, as the World Health Organization has proposed using PM2.5 and PM10 particles as the basis for assessment, while the authorized body does not measure PM2.5.
The materials from the round table held on January 14, 2025, at "EcoLur" Press Club are presented in the previous publications of Ecolur, within the framework of "Civil Society Becomes Active Participant in Greening of Yerevan" project implemented with the support of "People Powered - Global Hub for Participatory Democracy" project and carried out by EcoLur and Yerevan Municipality. More than half of the respondents regarding air quality believe that the air quality in the capital is poor, and another 30% believe it is very poor. No one rated the air quality as very good. At the same time, an absolute majority believes that the air quality has deteriorated in recent years.
Speaking about the causes, the residents pointed to construction, garbage burning, burning waste sites, gases emitted from transport, and mines. At the same time, people believe that air pollution affects their health, and only 10% do not feel this impact. The respondents mentioned cough, eye irritation, allergic reactions, and headaches as health effects.
What can improve the situation and what measures are necessary? According to an absolute majority, the state of transport in Yerevan needs to be improved. Next, it is necessary to prohibit the burning of waste and eliminate the burning of landfill sites. The situation can be improved by establishing green areas and monitoring industrial facilities. Strict control should be exercised to eliminate violations of Law "On Protection of Atmospheric Air." All respondents agreed to help reduce air pollution, with 30% stating they are willing to give up personal cars if public transport operates normally. Many respondents said they are ready to participate in environmental protection activities.
March 11, 2025 at 12:47