© Armenia Blackouts, 2024-2025
Yerevan has been recorded as having the worst air quality in the South Caucasus, which negatively affects the country's attractiveness. UN Resident Coordinator Francoise Jacob noted problems of land desertification and river pollution caused by agriculture, construction and mining activities. Only 0.6% of GDP is allocated to Armenia's environmental protection. Ahead of COP17, the importance of transitioning to a 'green' economy and restoring forests as a measure to improve air quality is particularly emphasized. Jacob urged Armenian banks to support sustainable development projects. The role of the state in protecting biodiversity is also underscored.
Air quality in Yerevan in September 2025:
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“Air pollution in Yerevan is 3-5 times above the permissible limit” on news.am →
In a discussion organized by the Yerevan for People initiative, the main focus was on the level of air pollution in Yerevan. Participants discussed the impact of polluted air on health and exchanged data on the city's air quality.
Air quality in Yerevan in March 2025:
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“A discussion on air quality was held in Yerevan” on news.am →
Yerevan, an ancient city and the capital of Soviet Armenia, suffers from smog that obscures the view of the biblical Mount Ararat. Although authorities have launched a campaign to reduce air pollution, the growth in private cars and emissions from factories have a significant impact. Plans include converting public transport to liquefied natural gas and relocating factories outside the city to improve air quality. However, restrictions on private car use remain controversial. The city has about 60,000 private cars, making it the leader in cars per capita among cities in the USSR. The city is actively increasing green spaces, adding 10 square meters per person over the past 10 years. The main sources of pollution are vehicle exhaust, factories, and adverse weather conditions during the winter period.
The daily average PM2.5 level exceeds the WHO recommended limits by 2.2 times: 33.3 µg/m³ compared to the standard of 15 µg/m³.
The yearly average PM2.5 level exceeds the WHO recommended limits 5.5 times: 27.7 µg/m³ compared to the standard of 5 µg/m³.
Over the past year, there were 214 days exceeding the WHO recommended daily limit for PM2.5 (15 µg/m³), with no more than 3-4 days per year allowed.
The health impact of air pollution over the past month is equivalent to smoking 96.4 cigarettes.
The Yerevan Municipality seems to lack a systematic stance on the city’s air quality. At different times, officials have expressed opposing views, ranging from denying pollution to calling for programs to combat it.
Мэрия Еревана заявила о необходимости бороться с поджогом листьев, а Инспекционный орган Армении с помощью дронов ищет сельчан, поджигающих листву. Однако на поле между Футбольной академией Аван и улицей Ачарян, которое уже несколько лет используется «Озеленением Еревана» как свалка, продолжают сжигать ветки и листья. Это приводит к сильному задымлению и ухудшению качества воздуха. «Озеленение Еревана» было оштрафовано за преднамеренное сжигание отходов. Ситуация демонстрирует противоречие между заявлениями властей и реальными действиями организаций, отвечающих за озеленение.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
С наступлением зимы в Ереване усиливается проблема загрязнения воздуха, чему способствуют не только погодные условия, но и сжигание листвы, мусора и использование дров для отопления. Мэр города Тигран Авинян отметил значительное ухудшение качества воздуха из-за крупных пожаров, а также подчеркнул опасность токсинов от таких возгораний. В городе установлены датчики, подтверждающие нездоровое состояние атмосферы особенно в зимние месяцы. Власти намерены ужесточить контроль за сжиганием мусора, что уже запрещено законом. Вопросом занялась и инспекция по охране окружающей среды, а мэрия планирует получить дополнительные полномочия по контролю. Несмотря на меры, уровень загрязнения остается высоким в зимний период.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
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“В Ереване значительно ухудшилось качество воздуха: Авинян назвал причины” on am.sputniknews.ru →
“Качество воздуха в Ереване к зиме ухудшится, Авинян объяснил – почему” on newsarmenia.am →
Из-за антициклона в последние дни и отсутствия ветра в Араратской долине наблюдается застой холодного воздуха, что привело к повышению загрязненности воздуха. Центр гидрометеорологии и мониторинга Министерства окружающей среды Армении сообщает о росте концентраций диоксидов азота и серы, при неизменном уровне пыли. В ближайшие 5 дней ожидается сохранение текущей метеорологической ситуации и дальнейшее постепенное увеличение загрязненности воздуха. Такие метеоусловия препятствуют рассеиванию загрязняющих веществ в атмосфере региона. В предупреждении подчеркивается необходимость внимательного отношения к качеству воздуха в этот период.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
A fire has again occurred at the Nubarashen landfill in Yerevan. The report of the blaze came in during the evening, and six fire crews and 27 rescuers were involved in extinguishing it. The last similar incident at this landfill was in August. Burning waste at the site can affect the city's air quality, raising concerns among residents and authorities. The report notes the involvement of civic and government bodies in addressing the aftermath. Repeated fires at the landfill point to a waste management problem and an environmental threat.
Air quality in Yerevan in October 2025:
Yerevan mayor Tigran Avinyan denied rumors of poor air quality in Yerevan during the summer and autumn months, noting that this is not true. According to him, data from 166 installed devices confirm good air quality in August and September. However, he warned that air quality problems may begin in November. It was especially noted that construction work in certain areas is creating local pollution. Authorities intend to toughen penalties for developers who violate requirements to control dust and pollution. Additional disciplinary measures against violators will be taken in December.
Air quality in Yerevan in October 2025:
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“The main air pollution problem in Yerevan occurs in winter: Tigran Avinyan” on ecolur.org →
“Mayor of Yerevan says there are no air quality problems in Yerevan in summer” on newsarmenia.am →
The article examines the deterioration of air quality in Yerevan caused by regular fires at the Nubarashen landfill and other factors. Residents suffer from smoke, dust, and toxins, leading to allergies and respiratory problems. The city lacks a modern air quality monitoring system, and existing stations are not sufficiently effective. Experts point to the impact of industrial emissions, motor vehicle traffic, and a lack of green spaces on air quality. Yerevan authorities have for years postponed the construction of new landfills and a recycling facility, which worsens the problem. The article underscores the severe impact of air pollution on public health.
Air quality in Yerevan in September 2025:
Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan met with the President of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, to discuss possible areas of cooperation between the cities. The meeting focused in particular on Madrid’s successful experience in improving air quality. It was agreed that Yerevan will study and apply effective solutions implemented in Madrid. The main goal is to adapt these best practices to improve air quality in the Armenian capital.
Air quality in Yerevan in June 2025:
The Mayor of Yerevan, Tigran Avinyan, noted that construction work and the activity of quarries in Yerevan and beyond negatively affect air quality. He emphasized that installing dust-collection nets at construction sites is a measure aimed at protecting the health of the city's residents. Avinyan called on developers to take responsibility for the state of the environment and to comply with relevant environmental requirements. Failure to follow these measures during construction leads to air pollution and a deterioration in residents' living conditions. In this regard, Avinyan proposed substantially increasing fines for violators. The main focus is on combating air pollution in the capital.
Air quality in Yerevan in May 2025:
Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan said that the city’s air pollution situation concerns the public. The mayor’s office noted that air quality worsens in winter, mainly due to the start of the heating season. Alongside gas, other fuels are used during this period, which increases the amount of fine PM2.5 particles in the atmosphere. Reduced air circulation in winter also contributes to the accumulation of pollutants. According to hydrometeorological data, the dust level in Yerevan in 2024 decreased compared with previous years; however, the problem persists mainly during the winter months.
Air quality in Yerevan in April 2025:
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“Yerevan City Hall blames citizens for the city's air pollution” on news.am →
Full archive of publications on the Yerevan Municipality and air quality →
В районе Дилиджана возле санатория «Горная Армения» и в окрестных лесных участках 27 ноября были полностью потушены лесные пожары. Спасательная служба Министерства внутренних дел установила дежурство, а граждан призывают строго соблюдать правила пожарной безопасности. На момент съемки еще наблюдались отдельные тлеющие очаги, которые локализовали группы гражданской обороны Тавуша. Статья иллюстрирована фотографиями последствий пожара. Что касается воздуха, отмечается ситуация с сохранением дыма на части территории, что может временно ухудшить качество воздуха.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
В статье отмечается, что высокий уровень загрязнения воздуха может способствовать развитию различных заболеваний, в первую очередь — респираторных, сердечно-сосудистых и аллергических. Представитель Национального центра по контролю и профилактике заболеваний Минздрава Армении Рубен Григорян поясняет, что в Ереване показатели загрязнения воздуха остаются в допустимых нормах и специальных мер принимать не требуется. Жителям рекомендуется по возможности держать окна закрытыми, особенно в районах, близких к зонам возгорания, и избегать физической активности. Причиной повышения загрязнения воздуха названы неблагоприятные метеоусловия — отсутствие ветра и скопление холодного воздуха. В целом ситуация с качеством воздуха в Ереване контролируется.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
В различных регионах Армении с 21 ноября фиксируются случаи пожаров, причиной которых считают сжигание сухой листвы и стерни. Министерство окружающей среды сообщает о пострадавших лесных участках, где выгорели трава и деревья. К тушению пожаров привлечены спасательные службы, экопатруль и техника, осуществлялись авиаразведка и тушение с вертолёта. Власти рекомендуют жителям избегать поджогов при очистке территорий, так как это ведёт к ухудшению качества почвы, вреду для здоровья и биоразнообразия. Сжигание растительных остатков законом запрещено и наказывается штрафом. Статья уделяет внимание влиянию пожаров на состояние окружающей среды и воздуха.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
On September 29, 2025, Armenia's Minister of Environment Ambartsum Matevosyan and Japanese Ambassador Aoki Yutaka signed a grant agreement for economic and social development. Japan will provide Armenia with approximately $1.7 million to modernize air quality monitoring stations and procure equipment for the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center (a state non-commercial organization). This will improve the air pollution monitoring system, enhance data quality control, and help establish a sustainable environment. Reference stations have already been purchased with state funding. The Japanese government's grant will be an important continuation of environmental reforms in Armenia.
Air quality in Yerevan in September 2025:
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“Armenia's air monitoring system to be modernized with Japan's support” on env.am →
“Japan to help Armenia modernize atmospheric air quality monitoring” on newsarmenia.am →
“Automatic air pollutant monitoring equipment to be installed in Yerevan” on news.am →
The Environmental and Subsoil Inspection Authority published inspection results for the first half of 2025 in the field of air quality protection. A total of 195 violations were recorded, including breaches in construction, manufacturing, and mining, as well as illegal transport of bulk materials and burning of waste. 134 administrative sanctions were imposed and fines totaling 9,650,000 drams were levied. Environmental damage was estimated at 100,544,532 drams. Four decisions were issued to suspend the activities of entities operating without permits for maximum permissible emissions. The main focus is on damage caused to air quality.
Air quality in Yerevan in August 2025:
The Government of Armenia has approved the Ministry of Environment’s project to fully modernize the air quality monitoring system by 2030. The new plan calls for implementing advanced standards aligned with World Health Organization recommendations, as well as upgrading laboratories and tools for modeling and forecasting air pollutants. The measures are intended to improve ambient air quality and promote better public health. The system upgrade will help modernize the state's air protection policy.
Air quality in Yerevan in August 2025:
