Almost 4,000 people in North Macedonia die each year from exposure to PM2.5 - the smallest particulate matter that can be inhaled and the most dangerous to human health.PHOTO: EPA-EFE
By AFP -Agence France Presse
Thousands march against air pollution in Skopje.
Around a thousand people protested on Saturday in Skopje against air pollution in the capital of North Macedonia, which is often among the most polluted cities in Europe.
This was the second such demonstration in less than a month in Skopje, with the previous march involving a slightly smaller crowd of several hundred people.
Participants in Saturday's march through the center of Skopje, dubbed “Come out for clean air,” called on the authorities to take immediate action on the issue.
“Our air is poisonous, our government is deaf,” and ‘The future cannot be seen from pollution,’ said some of the banners carried by the demonstrators.
The march was organized by various environmental groups and citizens' initiatives.
The urgent measures called for by the demonstrators include increased inspection of industrial facilities, ecological heating of state facilities, promotion of the use of public transport and bicycles, as well as better waste management.
Almost 4,000 people in North Macedonia die each year due to exposure to PM2.5 particles, the smallest particulate matter that can be inhaled and the most dangerous for human health, according to the Institute of Public Health.
According to a 2019 UN study, air pollution is the cause of 20% of premature deaths in 19 Balkan cities.
According to the study, air pollution in the region causes average people to lose up to 1.3 years of life.
dd-ljv/giv
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