Air pollution is an issue that has been on the rise globally since the middle of the 20th century. It’s causes are still somewhat disputed, although most researchers agree that the bruning of fossil fuels is a large contributor to this phenomena. Various solutions for this crisis have been suggested by experts, however the world is yet to see their implementation on a large scale. 

Montenegro is no exception of the wide list of countries dealing with the issue of air pollution. The average air quality in the region is described by AQI (Air Quality Index) as poor, with the score of 132 AQI-US. When compared to its neighbors, Montenegro shows somewhat good results - the average air quality is worse in Coratia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, but better in Albania and Macedonia. However, when making this comparison, such factors as production levels, population, etc. should also be considered.

The worst cases of air pollution can be observed in the cities Niksic (163 AQI-US), Bijelo Polje (153 AQI-US) and Herceg Novi (147 AQI-US). These results are not very surprising, as both cities are considered important for the country’s industrial sector, hosting a range of factories, and, in the case of Bijelo Polje, a powerplant. 

The country’s citizens and policymakers are aware of the issue, and a variety of measures aimed at improving the situation have been introduced and discussed. According to a UNECE report, in 2015 the country has identified air quality improvement as a priority goal. Since then, the country has “developed and adopted a set of legal, policy and guidance documents aimed at reducing air pollution, especially emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), ammonia (NH3) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).” Montenegro has also introduced the National Strategy for Air Quality Management. It is also aimed at reducing the polluting factors within the country with measures such as subsidizing initiatives involving alternative energy sources and penalties for unsustainable emission levels of production centers.

Although the country still has a long way towards achieving a safe level of air pollution before it, the efforts that have already been undergone are undeniable. I find that higher investment of resources in this branch from the government and conscious eco-friendly choices by the public, such as less use of diesel-fueld vehicles are bound to aid in the improvement of the situation.

Sources:

https://www.aqi.in/dashboard/montenegro

https://unece.org/environment-policy/environmental-performance-reviews/unda-project-1819ae-montenegro-improving-air#:~:text=Assisted%20by%20UNECE%2C%20the%20country,volatile%20organic%20compounds%20(VOCs).