Media Archive on Air Quality in Armenia

September 2024

Sep 23, 2024 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
Avinyan: Our devices dispel the myth that air quality in Yerevan is very poor

Avinyan: Our devices dispel the myth that air quality in Yerevan is very poor (machine translation)

According to data from 85 air monitoring stations in Yerevan, PM2.5 levels do not exceed permissible limits, which disproves the myth of poor air quality in the city.

Air quality in Yerevan in September 2024: 57 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on news.am

“Avinyan disagrees that Yerevan has poor environmental conditions and that air pollution exceeds acceptable levels” on newsarmenia.am

Sep 17, 2024 — Air Pollution
298 Million Drams for 2 Air Quality Monitoring Stations

298 Million Drams for 2 Air Quality Monitoring Stations (machine translation)

The Ministry of Environment of Armenia has purchased two air quality monitoring stations at a total cost of 298.2 million drams (about $774,000). Each station cost 149.1 million drams. The new stations are expected to arrive in Yerevan in 2025, after which their exact locations will be determined. Currently, five fixed air monitoring stations are operating in Yerevan. In addition, the city administration has received about 130 requests from construction companies to install air quality monitoring devices at construction sites, of which about 60 have already been installed.

Air quality in Yerevan in September 2024: 57 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on armlur.am

“Ministry of Environment Attempts for the Third Time to Procure Air Quality Monitoring Stations: No Winner in Two Tenders” on hetq.am

Sep 16, 2024 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
108 devices measuring airborne particulate levels installed in Yerevan; data available online to everyone

108 devices measuring airborne particulate levels installed in Yerevan; data available online to everyone (machine translation)

In Yerevan, 108 devices have been installed to measure dust levels in the air at construction sites classified as risk levels 4 and 5. The data are available online on the municipality's official website.

Air quality in Yerevan in September 2024: 57 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on ecolur.org

“108 dust monitors installed in Yerevan” on news.am

“Yerevan residents can monitor dust air pollution levels through a GIS system” on ecolur.org

Sep 9, 2024 — Air Pollution
Sources of atmospheric air pollution in Yerevan

Sources of atmospheric air pollution in Yerevan (machine translation)

In Yerevan, the main sources of air pollution include construction, transport, the mining industry, degraded lands, the Nubarashen landfill, industrial production, and the energy sector; pollution from dust and nitrogen dioxide often exceeds permissible limits.

Air quality in Yerevan in September 2024: 57 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on ecolur.org

“The Environmental Damage of Yerevan's Mines and Its Economic Component” on ecolur.org

August 2024

Aug 12, 2024 — Greening
Implementation of the 'Green City of Yerevan' program: discussion with representatives of civil society and the Yerevan Municipality

Implementation of the 'Green City of Yerevan' program: discussion with representatives of civil society and the Yerevan Municipality (machine translation)

A discussion took place in Yerevan on the implementation of the 'Action Plan for Creating a Green City of Yerevan,' approved in 2017. Municipality representatives reported the implementation of an energy management system, the installation of solar panels on 97 buildings, and an increase in green areas by 35 hectares in 2022–2023. Plans were also discussed to create a new 230-hectare park in the Dalma Gardens area, which would raise green space per capita to 10.3 sq. m.

Air quality in Yerevan in August 2024: 57 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on ecolur.org

Aug 9, 2024 — Greening
Yerevan Master Plan Under Discussion

Yerevan Master Plan Under Discussion (machine translation)

On August 8, 2024, Yerevan City Hall hosted the second and final public hearings on the draft master plan for the city for 2024–2030 and the Strategic Environmental Assessment report. The discussion, which lasted more than four hours, included representatives of Yerevanproekt JSC, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, the Yerevan municipality, public organizations, experts, and the media. Issues addressed included irregular development, green spaces, air quality, the sewage system, transportation, waste management, and others.

Air quality in Yerevan in August 2024: 57 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on ecolur.org

July 2024

Jul 31, 2024 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
Nearly 250 multi-story buildings are being built in Yerevan — all with violations; 534 protocols issued

Nearly 250 multi-story buildings are being built in Yerevan — all with violations; 534 protocols issued (machine translation)

In Yerevan, 248 multi-story buildings are under construction, and almost all of them have violations, raising concerns about air quality. Over six months, 534 administrative protocols were issued for air pollution at construction sites.

Air quality in Yerevan in July 2024: 55 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on arka.am

June 2024

Jun 3, 2024 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
Yerevan Municipality published data on air pollution at the city's construction sites

Yerevan Municipality published data on air pollution at the city's construction sites (machine translation)

Yerevan Municipality on its official website presented an online map showing dust pollution levels at 15 construction sites across the city. Since September 2023, the installation of sensors to monitor air quality at construction sites has been mandatory; however, the rollout has been slow, and the data so far do not provide a complete picture of pollution citywide.

Air quality in Yerevan in June 2024: 48 Clean Air

Read the full article on hetq.am

“Residents of Yerevan can now access the information platform "Dust Air Pollution Indicators"” on news.am

“Data on Dust Pollution Levels in Yerevan Will Be Available to Everyone” on ecolur.org

May 2024

May 31, 2024 — Greening
Despite the 'Green City' program's goal of ensuring clean air, Gyumri remains dusty

Despite the 'Green City' program's goal of ensuring clean air, Gyumri remains dusty (machine translation)

The article discusses air pollution problems in Gyumri despite measures taken under the 'Green City' program, and highlights the main sources of dust, including construction work and unpaved streets. It also notes the need to establish monitoring and oversight of environmental projects.

Air quality in Yerevan in May 2024: 41 Clean Air

Read the full article on ecolur.org

March 2024

Mar 25, 2024 — Air Pollution
We have the most polluted air in the region

We have the most polluted air in the region (machine translation)

According to IQAir's 2023 report, only seven countries worldwide meet WHO air quality standards, and Armenia ranked 19th among the most polluted countries. Environmentalist Naira Vardanyan noted that in Yerevan the level of air pollution exceeds the WHO standard by 16 times, with construction sites and vehicle emissions remaining the main sources of pollution. Air pollution, especially PM2.5 particles, contributes to increases in cancer, chronic lung diseases and other pathologies; over 10 years cancer mortality in Yerevan has risen by 65%. Vardanyan emphasizes that existing air protection laws are practically not enforced, and the city needs professional management and strict control over construction and green spaces.

Air quality in Yerevan in March 2024: 70 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on golosarmenii.am

January 2024

Jan 6, 2024 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
Avinyan says that "alarming reports" about air pollution in Yerevan are unfounded

Avinyan says that "alarming reports" about air pollution in Yerevan are unfounded (machine translation)

Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan stated that data claiming high levels of air pollution in the city, circulated on various websites, are not accurate. He noted that the municipality has installed its own air quality monitoring devices, which show that the situation is not so critical. However, data from these devices are not fully accessible due to technical problems, while independent platforms such as IQAir record exceedances of permissible pollution limits in the city center.

Air quality in Yerevan in January 2024: 103 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Read the full article on hetq.am

December 2023

Dec 8, 2023 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
Air pollution index in Yerevan exceeds WHO limits by 12–16 times

Air pollution index in Yerevan exceeds WHO limits by 12–16 times (machine translation)

Yerevan is experiencing a dangerous exceedance of PM2.5 air pollution levels, which are 12–16 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline limits.

Air quality in Yerevan in December 2023: 138 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Read the full article on ecolur.org

“Yerevan in fog, smoke, or dust: what the data reveal” on hetq.am

“Frequent exceedances of dust levels in central Yerevan” on ecolur.org

Dec 4, 2023 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
Yerevan to monitor air pollution levels around construction sites

Yerevan to monitor air pollution levels around construction sites (machine translation)

Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan said it is necessary to monitor air pollution levels around construction sites using special devices.

Air quality in Yerevan in December 2023: 138 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Read the full article on news.am

November 2023

Nov 25, 2023 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
Air pollution remains at dangerous levels

Air pollution remains at dangerous levels (machine translation)

According to recent estimates, air pollution remains at dangerous levels, leading to chronic diseases and deaths.

Air quality in Yerevan in November 2023: 75 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on news.am

September 2023

Sep 4, 2023 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality
Yerevan Mayor's Office Continues Oversight: Four Developers Held Accountable

Yerevan Mayor's Office Continues Oversight: Four Developers Held Accountable (machine translation)

The mayor's office is confident that violations of construction site organization standards remain one of the main contributors to air pollution.

Air quality in Yerevan in September 2023: 53 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on am.sputniknews.ru

Sep 2, 2023 — Air Pollution
From a Smog-Covered Ararat to Her Own Air Monitoring Network: A Russian Designer's Project

From a Smog-Covered Ararat to Her Own Air Monitoring Network: A Russian Designer's Project (machine translation)

Kristina Loginova, who moved from Russia to Armenia in May 2022, encountered air pollution problems in Yerevan. Finding a lack of air quality data, she assembled and installed sensor devices herself and created the ArmAQI platform, where people can monitor pollution metrics. Her project drew strong interest among local residents looking to install similar devices in their cities.

Air quality in Yerevan in September 2023: 53 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on hetq.am

August 2023

Aug 25, 2023 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality

Dust levels in ambient air in several districts of Yerevan exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (machine translation)

Dust levels in the ambient air in several districts of Yerevan exceed the maximum allowable concentration, indicating serious air quality problems.

Air quality in Yerevan in August 2023: 52 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on news.am

“Preventive measures to safeguard air quality continue in Yerevan” on ecolur.org

Aug 1, 2023 — Air Pollution

Causes of Air Pollution in Armenia and Preventive Measures (machine translation)

Air pollution in Armenia remains at a high level, having increased by 15% over the past five years. The primary causes are the destruction of green spaces and emissions from transportation, although construction activity also plays a significant role.

Air quality in Yerevan in August 2023: 52 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on ecolur.org

July 2023

Jul 15, 2023 — Greening

Are Yerevan and Gyumri Green Cities? CEE Bankwatch Network and EcoLur Released a Video (machine translation)

CEE Bankwatch Network published a video produced together with EcoLur that analyzes whether Yerevan and Gyumri meet the criteria of green cities. The video highlights that over the past five years air quality in Yerevan has deteriorated, and green space per capita in the city center is only 3 sq. m, while the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 9 sq. m. It also notes that the Nubarashen landfill in Yerevan does not meet international sanitary standards. The video calls on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to ensure strict oversight of the implementation of green-city action plans and to make information about community development accessible to the public, and it recommends that local authorities involve residents in decision-making.

Air quality in Yerevan in July 2023: 42 Clean Air

Read the full article on ecolur.org

May 2023

May 24, 2023 — Air Pollution

Open letter from civil society representatives regarding the fire at the Nubarashen landfill (machine translation)

As a result of the fire at the Nubarashen landfill, Yerevan and neighboring communities have been placed in a state of ecological and sanitary catastrophe. Civil society is calling for urgent measures to ensure the safety of residents in the region, given the potential hazards to air quality.

Air quality in Yerevan in May 2023: 34 Clean Air

Read the full article on ecolur.org

May 22, 2023 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality

Air pollution monitoring devices to be installed in Yerevan (machine translation)

Devices to measure air pollution are planned to be installed in Yerevan, which will provide detailed information about the causes of pollution and enable preventive measures.

Air quality in Yerevan in May 2023: 34 Clean Air

Read the full article on news.am

May 19, 2023 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality

Dust and nitrogen dioxide levels in Yerevan exceed permissible limits (machine translation)

Dust and nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the air of Yerevan exceed permissible limits. According to the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Environment, dust levels in the central administrative district are 1.6 times higher than the maximum permissible concentration.

Air quality in Yerevan in May 2023: 34 Clean Air

Read the full article on ecolur.org

January 2023

Jan 27, 2023 — Yerevan Municipality and Air Quality

8.5 Minutes in Yerevan. Air Pollution (machine translation)

Over the past five years, atmospheric pollution in Armenia has increased by 35-40%. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization, 7 million people die worldwide each year from air pollution.

Air quality in Yerevan in January 2023: 145 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Read the full article on ecolur.org

December 2022

Dec 12, 2022 — Air Pollution

Requirements for compliance with atmospheric air and environmental pollution standards have been established in the construction sector (machine translation)

The Government of Armenia has established regulations for construction sites concerning atmospheric air pollution. These standards will be mandatory for all construction projects to prevent high concentrations of dust and other pollutants in Yerevan.

Air quality in Yerevan in December 2022: 129 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Read the full article on ecolur.org

November 2022

Nov 15, 2022 — Air Pollution

70 percent of air pollution in Armenia is caused by transport. Gayana Shakhnazyan (machine translation)

According to Gayane Shahnazaryan, Deputy Director of the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Environment of Armenia, 70% of the country's atmospheric air pollution is linked to transport. Over the past five years, emissions have increased by 35–40% compared with 2017, leading to higher concentrations of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen dioxide in the air. In Yerevan, the most dust-polluted districts are Kentron and Shengavit, and in certain periods — Nor Nork.

Air quality in Yerevan in November 2022: 83 Moderate Pollution

Read the full article on ecolur.org