Air pollution levels are alarmingly high in Moldova’s cities, especially in Chisinau, with cars being the main source. Specialists warn that the substances found in exhaust gases could lead to respiratory and heart diseases. The findings were presented at a roundtable event dedicated to the World Environment Day today.
Nicolae Ciubuc, Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, said that the leading sources of pollution in Moldova are the transport and waste. “The biggest problem is the human factor. We need to be aware of the negative effects. Annually, 244,000 tons of pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere. There is also a trend of an increase in waste generation”, says Nicolae Ciubuc.
Per the 2014-2023 Environment Strategy, the government has vowed to reduce air pollutant emissions by 30% by 2023. Another fundamental goal is the creation of a integrated environmental management system.
It was announced during the event that the Government of Sweden will offer a grant to the State Weather Service to buy equipment for measuring air quality. A laboratory will be established which will be used to detect the most polluted areas in the country.
New data from the World Health Organization shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants, and 7 million people die every year because of ambient and household air pollution. The leading polluters worldwide are the sectors of transport, housing and energy.
