WHY IS SKOPJE HOT AND BOTHERED?
Skopje is one of the most polluted cities in Europe.
Air pollution continues to take a toll on the health of all residents of Skopje and particularly affecting the most vulnerable populations – people with chronic diseases, children and elderly.
Fast action to tackle air pollution can’t come soon enough.
Household heating is one of the main culprits, accounting for at least 32% of total harmful emissions.
A UNDP survey of 5,044 households revealed that only 21% of residents are connected to the central-heating system, whereas 45% heat their houses with wood.
Wood-burning is one of the most polluting forms of heating. Poorer families, particularly Roma, burn even more hazardous materials, which can trigger respiratory ailments.
Identifying alternative heating solutions is thus key to reducing pollution and protecting public health
.
Most of the respondents stated that they would welcome the opportunity of taking up favorable soft
loans from the banks if such were provided to improve the insulation and implement other measures that will improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This would help them reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and reduce pollution.