Air Pollution in Yerevan: A Growing Concern Among Residents

In recent years, Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia, has been grappling with significant air pollution. The rapid urbanization, a sharp increase in the number of vehicles, industrial expansion, and the growth of construction projects have contributed to the deterioration of the city’s air quality. Air pollution caused by harmful emissions has become one of the most pressing challenges for the city.

A group of students from a local university in Armenia have been dedicating their research to studying the atmospheric air quality of Yerevan over the past five years with the aim of influencing local policies adopted by city administration. Their focus has been on identifying the sources of anthropogenic (human-caused) pollution, understanding their impact, assessing the effectiveness of urban greening initiatives, and examining the steps taken by local government bodies to address the issue.

Based on their research, which includes analysis of open data, official reports, and government publications, the students have concluded that concentrations of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) often exceed internationally accepted limits. These pollutants pose serious risks to public health and contribute to the overall degradation of air quality in the city.

The causes of this pollution are multifaceted. A growing population, increased construction activity, the operation of industrial enterprises, and a rising number of vehicles on the road have all led to a sharp rise in harmful emissions. The students’ findings highlight the need for urgent action to improve the city’s air quality, as the current pollution levels are not only damaging to the environment but also pose significant health risks to the residents of Yerevan.

To present their findings, the students created a series of infographics summarizing key data points. These visuals illustrate the sharp decline in air quality, the rapid population growth, the reduction of green spaces, and the amount of funding allocated for environmental improvement. They also compare Yerevan’s pollution levels to those of other major cities in Armenia.

Recognizing the long-term negative effects of air pollution on public health and its economic consequences, the students emphasized the importance of cooperation and stakeholder engagement in tackling this issue. They suggested that a collective effort from both local government and the residents could help mitigate the damage caused by pollution by adopting or improving the existing sustainable policies.

The results of this research provide valuable insights for creating a more sustainable and healthier urban environment in Yerevan. The data could inform the development of future urban policies and initiatives aimed at improving the city’s air quality. Based on their findings, the students recommend that policymakers implement targeted measures and programs to address the root causes of pollution, focusing on reducing emissions from transportation, industry, and construction, as well as enhancing green spaces in the city.

In conclusion, while Yerevan faces significant air quality challenges, the work of these students sheds light on potential solutions and highlights the need for continued research and cooperation in tackling this growing environmental crisis. The main results of the research are summarized in a report, which will soon be available for downloading for all interested parties.

This Project is funded by the European Union within its Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellowship Programme.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the authors of publications and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.