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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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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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 3.2 times: 47.4 µg/m³ compared to the standard of 15 µg/m³.
The yearly average PM2.5 level exceeds the WHO recommended limits 5.8 times: 29 µg/m³ compared to the standard of 5 µg/m³.
Over the past year, there were 213 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 98.6 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.
Yerevan City Hall has announced a tender for the construction and operation of a waste-processing plant in Nubarashen, which could significantly affect air quality in the coming years. The project envisions processing up to 300,000 tons of waste per year to reduce the share of landfilling and cut the “landfill” plume and fire risks. A separate environmental issue is the production of RDF fuel: burning it requires modern air-cleaning systems that Armenia does not yet have, making effective emissions monitoring crucial. The technical specifications cite compliance with EU Directive 2010/75/EU and the need for filters to capture fine particles and toxic gases. The project also includes biological stabilization of organic waste to reduce methane emissions and prevent spontaneous combustion at the landfill.
Air quality in Yerevan in January 2026:
On December 25, the Armenian government approved a procedure for state monitoring of ambient air quality, as well as the collection, analysis, assessment, and publication of data. The document notes that previous procedures did not include air quality assessment from the perspective of health risks or recommendations for precautionary and preventive measures for the public, including vulnerable groups. The roles of state agencies in informing the public in cases of pollution limit exceedances were also not legally defined. The new procedure establishes rules for monitoring, data processing, and public disclosure, and introduces provisions on the air quality index and alert thresholds. State monitoring and data provision are assigned exclusively to the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center under the Ministry of Environment, and a Japanese grant will be used to modernize three monitoring stations with modern automated equipment.
Air quality in Yerevan in December 2025:
The article describes the deterioration of air quality in Yerevan, framed as a public health issue, particularly due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Key sources of pollution include construction dust (including weak oversight and numerous unfinished building sites), active quarries and mineral extraction, and transport emissions. Fires and chronic problems at the Nubarashen landfill are also cited as factors polluting the air with toxic substances. It notes that geographic and climatic conditions can “trap” pollution but are not its root cause. The piece also highlights a lack of up-to-date monitoring data, plans to modernize monitoring stations, and authorities’ intentions to tighten requirements and fines (for example, for missing protective netting at construction sites) and to develop solutions such as electric vehicles and waste-management reform.
Air quality in Yerevan in December 2025:
Yerevan City Hall stated the need to combat the burning of leaves, and Armenia’s Inspectorate is using drones to track down villagers who set leaves on fire. However, in a field between the Avan Football Academy and Acharyan Street—used for several years by "Yerevan Greening" as a dump—branches and leaves continue to be burned. This causes heavy smoke and worsens air quality. "Yerevan Greening" was fined for the deliberate burning of waste. The situation highlights a contradiction between the authorities’ statements and the actual actions of the organizations responsible for urban greening.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
With the onset of winter, the air pollution problem in Yerevan intensifies, driven not only by weather conditions but also by the burning of leaves and garbage and the use of firewood for heating. Mayor Tigran Avinyan noted a significant deterioration in air quality due to major fires and emphasized the danger of toxins from such blazes. Sensors installed in the city confirm that the atmosphere becomes unhealthy, especially during the winter months. The authorities intend to tighten oversight of waste burning, which is already prohibited by law. The Environmental Protection Inspectorate has also taken up the issue, and the mayor’s office plans to obtain additional enforcement powers. Despite these measures, pollution levels remain high during the winter period.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
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Due to an anticyclone in recent days and a lack of wind in the Ararat Valley, cold air has stagnated, leading to increased air pollution. Armenia’s Ministry of Environment Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center reports rising concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur dioxides, while dust levels remain unchanged. Over the next five days, the current meteorological conditions are expected to persist, with a further gradual increase in air pollution. Such conditions hinder the dispersion of pollutants in the region’s atmosphere. The warning emphasizes the need to pay close attention to air quality during this period.
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 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:
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In winter in Yerevan, temperature inversions cause pollutant emissions from transport and heating to accumulate near the ground, and PM2.5 concentrations can reach 200–300 µg/m³. Individual gas boilers produce little visible smoke but emit NOx, which in the atmosphere converts into secondary particles (e.g., ammonium nitrate) and increases PM2.5. At high relative humidity and in fog, reactions in water droplets accelerate: precursor gases (NOx, SO2) form nitrate and sulfate aerosols, increasing particle mass. Optical sensors (Clarity Node-S with Plantower sensors) are sensitive to moisture, so readings are adjusted using QA/QC procedures and calibrations. PM2.5 spikes in fog are due both to a real increase in aerosol and to partial methodological measurement artifacts. Fog and high humidity do not clean the air; they can intensify pollution and increase health risk.
Air quality in Yerevan in January 2026:
The author describes how life in Yerevan has come to mean checking the air quality index every day and using a sensor on the balcony. In winter, pollution levels often exceed international standards and can reach dangerous values, prompting people to keep windows closed, limit walks, and wear masks. He notes that Yerevan’s authorities have long responded cautiously and at times skeptically, criticizing data from independent platforms, even though various measurement sources and residents’ well-being point to a problem. According to investigative journalism, the city’s air shows exceedances for dust, while monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) remains insufficient. Visible sources include construction sites without dust suppression, heavy truck traffic, shrinking green spaces, the smoldering Nubarashen landfill, dirty heating, burning leaves, and old cars. The author urges treating clean air as a matter of politics and enforcement, so that pollution does not shorten residents’ lives or push people to leave.
Air quality in Yerevan in December 2025:
By decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, an interagency working group has been established to address issues of ambient air pollution. The composition of the working group has been approved, and it is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan. The head of the group is required to report to the Prime Minister every 15 days on the results of the work. Monthly broad public information and coverage of the group’s activities are also предусмотрено. If necessary, the working group may establish specialized subgroups.
Air quality in Yerevan in December 2025:
In the Dilijan area near the “Mountain Armenia” sanatorium and in surrounding forested areas, wildfires were completely extinguished on November 27. The Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has set up monitoring duty, and citizens are urged to strictly follow fire safety rules. At the time of filming, isolated smoldering hotspots were still observed; they were contained by Tavush civil defense teams. The article is illustrated with photos of the fire’s aftermath. As for the air, smoke persists in parts of the area, which may temporarily worsen air quality.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
The article notes that high levels of air pollution can contribute to the development of various diseases, primarily respiratory, cardiovascular, and allergic conditions. Ruben Grigoryan, a representative of Armenia’s Ministry of Health National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explains that air pollution indicators in Yerevan remain within acceptable standards and that no special measures are required. Residents are advised, if possible, to keep windows closed, especially in areas close to fire zones, and to avoid physical activity. The increase in air pollution is attributed to unfavorable meteorological conditions—lack of wind and the accumulation of cold air. Overall, the air quality situation in Yerevan is being monitored.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
Since November 21, fires have been reported in various regions of Armenia, believed to be caused by burning dry leaves and stubble. The Ministry of Environment reports damage to forest areas where grass and trees have burned. Rescue services, the eco-patrol, and equipment have been deployed to extinguish the fires, including aerial reconnaissance and helicopter firefighting. Authorities urge residents to avoid setting fires when clearing land, as it worsens soil quality and harms health and biodiversity. Burning plant residues is prohibited by law and punishable by a fine. The article focuses on the impact of the fires on the environment and air quality.
Air quality in Yerevan in November 2025:
