Speaker
Description
Unravelling the Energy–Air Pollution–Climate–Health Nexus in Kosovo: Implications for Sustainable Energy Transition and Public Health
Janina Çeku1, Vesa Salihu1, Vlere Krasniqi1, Majlinda Daci1
e-mail: janina.ceku@student.uni-pr.edu
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo
Kosovo represents a unique case for investigating the interconnections between energy systems, air pollution, climate-related factors, and public health outcomes due to its high dependence on lignite-based electricity generation, widespread use of solid fuels for household heating, and persistent air quality challenges.
This study aims to examine the complex interactions between energy production and consumption patterns, air pollutant emissions, climate-related conditions, and population health through an integrated nexus approach. Specifically, the research investigates the contribution of electricity generation, household heating, biomass use, and transport to ambient air pollution; assesses the influence of meteorological and climate-related factors on pollution patterns; and evaluates the associations between air pollution exposure and respiratory and cardiovascular health outcomes. The conceptual framework links energy-related emissions of particulate matter (PM₂.₅), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) with climate-related factors, including temperature inversions, heat waves, droughts, seasonal variability, and stagnant air conditions, which together influence air quality and human exposure.
Preliminary results indicate substantial seasonal and spatial variations in PM₂.₅ concentrations across Kosovo. In 2022, annual average PM₂.₅ concentrations reached 18.1 µg/m³ in Prishtina, 16.4 µg/m³ in Drenas, 20.4 µg/m³ in Mitrovica, and 20.1 µg/m³ in Obiliq, exceeding the World Health Organization annual guideline value of 5 µg/m³. Winter pollution episodes were particularly pronounced, with monthly average PM₂.₅ concentrations exceeding 30 µg/m³ in several locations and maximum hourly concentrations reaching 167.2 µg/m³ in Obiliq.
The findings are expected to provide evidence on the interconnected nature of energy use, climate variability, air pollution, and health impacts in Kosovo, highlighting the public health co- benefits of sustainable energy transition pathways. The study emphasizes the need for integrated energy–climate–health policies to support decarbonization, improve air quality, strengthen climate resilience, and protect population health.
Keywords: energy transition; air pollution; PM2.5; climate change; public health;lignite; sustainable development; energy–climate–health nexus.