Western Balkans Transboundary Podcast: Air – Every day’s Breath

As the region deals with outdated energy practices and high winter pollution, Nagl and Krečinić discuss sources, solutions, and cross-border cooperation to address this pressing issue.

The Sources and Scope of the Pollution Problem

“Fossil fuels and biomass for heating remain the main causes,” Krečinić says, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where industry relies on heavy fuels and citizens burn coal in winter. “Traffic contributes,” he notes, “but less than fuel use for heating and production.”

Studies point to four primary sources across the region: energy production, domestic heating, traffic, and agricultural burning, with pollution levels peaking in colder months. Given that particulate matter stays in the atmosphere, addressing air quality requires tackling every source, from local city measures to broader, international policies. Joint initiatives, such as pooling resources to analyze pollutants, can reduce costs and improve data accuracy.

Lessons from Austria’s Environmental Evolution

Austria’s journey from the 1970s to improved air quality underscores the importance of stable financing and administration. “It took years to make progress, but strong cooperation between national and regional levels was the key,” Nagl reflects.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, by contrast, has fragmented responsibilities across administrative levels, making coordinated action more difficult. Austria’s experience offers a roadmap for a unified approach: a synchronized system with clear accountability can produce results.

The Health Costs of Poor Air Quality

The health impact is undeniable, and Krečinić doesn’t mince words. “Air quality is expensive, but oncology is more expensive,” he warns, urging his country to look at Austria’s cleaner air, water, and soil, and note the health benefits. Investments in renewable energy, particularly solar power, alongside improved urban planning, can make a measurable difference. Addressing air pollution in the Western Balkans is both a matter of public health and an environmental priority.

This episode reminds us that clean air isn’t just a policy goal—it’s a necessity for a healthier future across borders.

About the Podcast Series

The Transboundary Podcast underscored the critical challenges and opportunities in sustainable agriculture, with the experts discussing the importance of preserving soil and water through green practices. They highlighted the importance of collaboration across the agricultural sector, as the EU and Western Balkans work towards a sustainable future.