Aggeler: BiH is fifth in the world for air pollution-related mortality

Column by Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

"If I ever leave Bosnia and Herzegovina, it will be because of air pollution. As an individual, I may not be in a position to do much about all the other negative phenomena in society, such as corruption or the lack of rule of law (or perhaps I am not aware of the fact that these problems are 'killing us slowly'), but I feel and see that the smog is killing us... or actually, these days I can't see anything," Maja, a resident of Sarajevo, told me in a conversation we had at the OSCE Regional Introductory Meeting on "Climate Change and Security in Southeast Europe: Addressing the Interconnected Challenges of Air Pollution and Health".

Maja, we fully share your concern and sincerely support your intention to ensure a healthy life for your family and yourself. However, it is crucial to emphasize, as you are well aware, that the impact of air pollution on your well-being is unfortunately closely linked to corruption and the absence of strong rule of law. This creates a destructive vicious cycle, and breaking out of it requires substantial efforts and commitment from all of us.

World Health Organization data shows that BiH ranks fifth in the world for mortality caused by air pollution (Percentage of mortality attributable to ambient air pollution (per 100,000 population, by age) (who.int)), while the World Bank estimates that PM 2.5 particulate air pollution causes 3,300 premature deaths in BiH every year and a loss of over 8% of GDP.

It is difficult to imagine a clearer manifestation of the consequences of corruption, negligence, and the absence of effective rule of law mechanisms than what is (not) seen through the window during winter days in BiH. The impact is direct and comprehensive – no one is spared, and the smog literally kills thousands of people.

Decades of neglect, corruption, looking the other way, and continuous irresponsibility, combined with a lack of public awareness and an increasing level of suppression of civic activism, now result in thousands of premature deaths and countless illnesses every year in BiH, with Sarajevo being one of the most affected urban areas. 

Corruption has led us to a situation where environmental regulations are poorly enforced in practice, with regulatory bodies failing to monitor and penalize industrial facilities that violate emission standards, allowing them to continue polluting without consequences. Issuing permits without proper control has enabled legal and natural persons to operate, build, and pollute without respecting environmental standards. Furthermore, the lack of rule of law has resulted in a weak judicial system, leading to a lack of accountability, which has further encouraged illegal actions in practice that have contributed to this terrible air pollution.

When decision-making processes related to environmental protection policies are not transparent, the public faces challenges in holding authorities accountable for their actions or inaction in addressing the problem of air pollution. Access to information, public participation in decision-making on environmental issues, and access to justice in environmental matters are the three pillars of the Aarhus Convention, an international agreement to which BiH is a signatory. You have the right to know all the facts, you have the right to request all relevant information, you have the right to participate in all decision-making processes that affect your environment and health. This convention enables you to do all of that.

Aarhus centres, which currently operate in 14 OSCE participating States, including BiH, serve as a bridge between authorities, civil society, businesses, and citizens. They are also making significant efforts to address the growing problem of air pollution in the country.

In Southeast Europe, and particularly in BiH, reliable research and data on the impact of climate change and air pollution on public health are still lacking, as are domestic action policies to tackle this problem.

Therefore, the Aarhus Centre Zenica, located within the non-governmental organization "Eko Forum," is undertaking a pioneering scientific research project on the health effects of industrial air pollution, which is one of the main sources of exposure to harmful consequences in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research examines air pollution caused by coking (which is part of the steel production process) and uses genetics and DNA analysis to investigate the impact of such pollution on the health of local residents, which will result in the first study of its kind in BiH and will form the basis for future efforts aimed at mitigating harmful consequences and future public health interventions.

I am sure that everyone has heard these alarming statistics many times before, and we all tend to ignore them by not worrying too much. However, they are indeed alarming and require immediate engagement from everyone.

You are right, decision-makers are primarily responsible. However, let's not just point fingers. You have the right to know, to assess, to oppose, to influence – you have the power to hold them accountable. For every individual activity, project, permit, and decision they have made that affects your life, your health, and your family's well-being.

It seems absurd that in the 21st century we are fighting for clean air. Unfortunately, this is the reality we live in. And this does not only apply to people in BiH, but also to the rest of the world. Some countries are dealing with this more effectively, while others are still struggling to resolve this issue adequately. What I see as one of the main factors distinguishing these countries is the strength of the people. The awareness and strength of the people. Awareness that begins very early, when you, in whose hands lies the power, demand programs that suit you and your community, when you go to vote, and when you demand accountability from your elected officials. I think people in those countries do not just vote in the hope of electing competent, honest, and responsible politicians.

Instead, they shape politicians with such qualities through their activism. Let's not get lost in the smog. Change begins with the commitment of each individual. Be loud, demand change – the sum of every small activity can have a huge impact. And then you will be able to see the results even when you look out the window.