Breath of change: a meteorological and green infrastructure perspective on air quality in skopje, north macedonia.

Abstract

In urban settings, a significant issue revolves around poor air quality, characterized by elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) and diverse pollutants (CO and NO2) detrimental to both human health and the global environment. Consequently, there exists an immediate imperative to mitigate air pollution through the adoption of a spectrum of short and long-term strategies. This study examines different factors that influence air quality in Skopje, North Macedonia, focusing on the impact of meteorological parameters, the implementation of policy measures as waste burning ban, the impact of green infrastructure as well as the effects of measures against COVID-19 spread. To analyze the impact of these factors, the data analysis spans various periods: pre-COVID-19 lockdown restrictions (with emphasis on 2018), the lockdown period (2020), and subsequent years (2021 and 2022) as life gradually returns to normal. Additionally, it evaluates the effects of meteorological parameters such as wind speed, relative humidity, and temperature on air quality and their impact on particulate matter reduction, Furthermore, the paper establishes a significant correlation between the most common types of particulate matter, namely those with diameters of 10 micrometers or less (PM10) and 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5). Our statistical analyses unveil significant correlations between the collected data, confirming a negative correlation between PM and higher air temperatures/wind speed. Furthermore, the investigation highlights elevated pollutant concentrations during nighttime hours. Notably, the study identifies positive outcomes associated with reduced traffic and decreased use of fossil fuels for heating during winter months, as evidenced by the acquired data.