On 22 January 2025 Warsaw faced a evidence level of air pollution, despite the introduction of the alleged green zone. Although the aim of the fresh regulations was to reduce exhaust emissions and improve air quality, the residents of the capital experienced a dramatic deterioration in environmental conditions. PM10 and PM2.5 dust levels have been exceeded by up to 40%, which caused a wave of outrage and many questions about the effectiveness of the solutions introduced.
Record smog in Warsaw – alarm data
According to the data provided by the Chief Environmental Protection Inspectorate, the level of suspended dust PM10 was 210 μg/ml, whereas the permissible standard is 50 μg/ml. In the case of finer dust, PM2.5, as many as 130 μg/ml were reported, exceeding a standard of 25 μg/ml. The most polluted areas were:
- Midtown,
- Will,
- Prague North and South.
In these neighborhoods, residents complained about breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and general malaise. Authorities have called for the avoidance of leaving home, especially by older people, children and people with respiratory diseases.
Green region and smog – why does it not work?
The introduction of the green region aimed at reducing the traffic of high-gas cars in the city centre. Since January 2025, provisions have been in force to prohibit the entry of vehicles not complying with Euro 5 and lower emanation standards. However, the first weeks of these regulations show that their efficiency leaves much to be desired.
Experts point to respective reasons:
- Heating season “In winter, the problem of smog in Poland is mostly related to emissions from coal furnaces and boilers, especially in suburbs and surrounding municipalities.
- No public transport infrastructure – Although the authorities encourage the usage of public transport, many people inactive choose cars due to the fact that public transport is insufficiently developed.
- Weather conditions – In January there was advanced humidity and no wind, which favoured accumulation of pollutants in the air.
Green ZoneIndignant residents – “We cannot breathe”
The inhabitants of Warsaw are increasingly critical of the city's deficiency of effective action in the fight against smog. There were many comments on social media in which the Warsawians expressed frustration over the deteriorating quality of life.
"How is it possible that green zones are introduced and we inactive gotta breathe specified air? We live in the capital of the European country, and the conditions are like the worst industrial regions," wrote 1 of the women on Twitter.
"Green region is not enough. We request real actions, specified as mass exchange of coal furnaces and investments in renewable energy sources," another user added.
What action are the city authorities planning?
Warsaw president Rafał Trzaskowski admitted that the current measures are insufficient to fight smog effectively. During the press conference, he announced:
- Increase backing for the exchange of coal furnaces in single-family homes in the Warsaw agglomeration.
- Development of electrical vehicle charging stationsto encourage residents to usage greener means of transport.
- Increasing the number of electrical buses in public transport.
In addition, the municipal authorities called on the government to accelerate the implementation of anti-smog programmes at national level, specified as Clean Air.
Experts on the future of combating smog
According to experts, the issue of smog in Warsaw requires a comprehensive approach that will cover both local and national activities. Education of society and the establishment of a strategy of incentives to change habits specified as:
- Use of public transport,
- Investing in photovoltaics and heat pumps,
- Change of fuel to greener.
However, there is no shortage of skeptical voices. any experts believe that without extremist decisions specified as a complete ban on coal furnaces, the problem of smog will stay unresolved for many years.
The evidence smog level recorded in Warsaw on 22 January 2025 is an alarm signal for authorities and residents.
Continued here:
Warsaw with another smog level evidence despite the green zone
