Tirana - Environment

Environment

The city suffers from problems related to overpopulation, such as waste management, and high levels of air pollution and noise pollution. Air pollution has increased by a significant amount as the number of cars has increased by several orders of magnitude to over 300,000. These are mostly older, diesel cars that pollute much more than newer models elsewhere in Europe. Additionally, a major proportion of the fuel used in Albania contains larger amounts of sulfur and lead than in the European Union. Another source of pollution are PM10 and PM2.5 inhaled particulate matter and NO2 gases resulting from rapid growth in the construction of new buildings and expanding road infrastructure. Untreated solid waste is present in the city and outskirts. Additionally, there have been complaints of excessive noise pollution. Despite the problems, the Big Park at the Tirana Artificial Lake has some effect on absorbing CO₂ emissions, while over 2000 trees have been planted around sidewalks.