How is Türkiye’s Air? The Current State of Pollution and Challenges to a Clean Breath
Environmental issues in Türkiye are becoming increasingly complex due to various factors such as rapid urbanization, industrialization, population growth, and overuse of natural resources.
Author: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ezgi Kovancı
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Environmental issues in Türkiye are becoming increasingly complex due to various factors such as rapid urbanization, industrialization, population growth, and overuse of natural resources. These problems can be categorized into major areas with both local and global impacts: air pollution, reduction in the quantity and quality of water resources, soil pollution and erosion, inadequacies in waste management, loss of biodiversity, climate crisis, drought, and marine pollution. These environmental challenges emerge as priority issues requiring urgent solutions for a healthy and sustainable future.
Air Pollution in Türkiye: Air pollution stands out as a significant problem, especially in major cities and industrial regions. The density of industrial facilities, high vehicle traffic, and widespread use of coal and low-quality fuels are among the primary sources of pollution. These factors lead to rapid deterioration of air quality, particularly in urban centers and densely populated areas. The fuels used for heating purposes during winter months further reduce air quality and cause severe health problems in heavily populated cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
According to the 2023 World Air Quality Report, which provides PM 2.5 air quality data from 7,812 cities in 134 countries, Türkiye ranks 44th in terms of air pollution. In the ranking specific to the European region, Türkiye ranks 5th among 43 countries. The report indicates that Iğdır and Osmaniye are among the most polluted cities in Türkiye. Iğdır has the highest air pollution in the country in terms of PM 2.5 levels and was recorded as one of the cities with the most polluted air globally in January. Throughout 2023, Türkiye’s average PM 2.5 level was approximately four times higher than the limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Among the 15 cities with the worst air quality in Europe, seven are in Türkiye. These cities are predominantly located in regions where high levels of air pollutants such as PM 2.5 are prevalent, mostly due to industrial activities, heavy traffic, and heating methods. These cities face environmental and health-related challenges.
Figure 1. Annual PM 2.5 Averages by Country for 2023 (µg/m³)
Source: IQ, World Air Quality Report, 2023.
Figure 2. Europe’s Most Polluted Cities
Source: IQ, World Air Quality Report, 2023.
Despite being a city in the eastern part of Türkiye with a population of approximately 200,000, Iğdır has faced significant air pollution problems in recent years. Air pollution in the city has become chronic over the past five years. During winter, the city’s polluted air has severe health implications. Research shows that spending one day in Iğdır during winter is equivalent to smoking 40 cigarettes. The 2021 World Air Pollution Report identified Iğdır as the most polluted city in the European region. Despite the city’s transition to natural gas for heating since 2017, air pollution remains unresolved. The 2023 reports indicate that the problem persists. Environmental engineers and experts highlight that solid fuels and traffic-related gaseous pollutants, as well as particulate matter, play a significant role in Iğdır’s air pollution. Although levels of solid fuel and traffic-related pollutants in the city are below the thresholds set by WHO, the high particulate matter concentration poses a significant threat. Particulate matter, especially the fine particles defined as PM 10 and PM 2.5, can pass through the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing severe health problems. In addition to their carcinogenic effects, these particles can lead to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and even premature death. The geographical and meteorological conditions of Iğdır contribute to the high particulate matter levels. The city’s location amidst surrounding mountains and high terrains limits air circulation, causing polluted air to accumulate and intensify in certain areas. Residents propose relocating to higher terrains on the southern slopes of Mount Ararat, which are perceived as potential areas for cleaner air and better living conditions.
Major Causes of Air Pollution in Türkiye
Industrial Facilities and Energy Production: Industrial facilities and energy production are among the primary causes of air pollution in Türkiye. Factories operating in industrial zones, particularly in the Marmara and Aegean regions, release high levels of pollutants into the atmosphere. For instance, industries such as automotive, cement, textile, and chemical plants located in industrial areas like Istanbul and Kocaeli emit substantial amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants degrade air quality, cause acid rain, and increase respiratory diseases. In energy production using fossil fuels, pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) released by coal-fired power plants significantly deteriorate air quality. These pollutants threaten public health and ecosystems by causing environmental and health problems. Furthermore, the location of these facilities in densely populated areas leads to the wider dissemination of pollutants. To combat air pollution, stricter regulations in this sector and a transition to cleaner energy production technologies are crucial.
Heavy Traffic and Vehicle Emissions: The high number of motor vehicles and inadequate public transportation networks in major cities drive people towards private vehicle use. This increases traffic density and emissions, leading to the release of large amounts of harmful gases (especially carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ)). Traffic-related emissions also elevate ozone and particulate matter levels, triggering respiratory diseases. In 2023, the number of vehicles registered in Türkiye increased by 80.3% compared to the previous year, reaching 2,290,280. During the same period, the number of deregistered vehicles decreased by 10.9% to 31,721. This resulted in a net increase of 2,258,559 vehicles from January to December (TURKSTAT, 2024). This rise in registered vehicles directly impacts human health negatively. More vehicles, particularly fossil fuel-powered ones, lead to higher air pollution levels, exacerbating respiratory and circulatory system diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart disease. Traffic congestion and noise pollution can also have psychological effects, such as stress and sleep disorders. To mitigate the environmental and health impacts of motor vehicles, sustainable transportation methods should be promoted.
Use of Coal and Low-Quality Fuels: Coal and low-quality fuels used for heating during winter play a major role in air pollution. Particularly in low-income areas, low-quality coal and other fossil fuels are used for heating, which increases particulate matter and sulfur levels, rapidly degrading air quality in winter months. The combustion of poor-quality fuels releases pollutants that pose severe health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, a commitment to phasing out fossil fuels marked a critical turning point in Türkiye’s stance on fossil fuels and climate policies. During the presentation of Türkiye’s 2053 Long-Term Climate Change Strategy, Greenpeace Türkiye Program Director Berkan Özyer questioned Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum about the absence of a target for phasing out fossil fuels. The minister emphasized Türkiye’s renewable energy goals, stating, “Over time, we will phase out fossil fuels and continue establishing emission-free energy facilities.” This statement represents the first official declaration to the public regarding Türkiye’s goal to phase out fossil fuels.
Air Pollution in Earthquake Zones: In earthquake-affected cities, air pollution has reached levels 2.5 times the national boundaries and 7.5 times the WHO guideline values due to factors such as debris dust and open fires for heating purposes. Air pollution causes serious health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while also negatively affecting mental health and sleep patterns. The dust particles (PM 10 and PM 2.5) released during the removal of collapsed buildings significantly lower air quality. These particles may contain asbestos, heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), and chemical residues, leading to severe health risks, including respiratory diseases and cancer. To reduce dust spread, water spraying systems should be used, and debris removal operations should be carried out in a controlled and planned manner.
Seasonal Variations in Pollution Levels
Air pollution increases, particularly during winter months, due to heating-related emissions and the inversion phenomenon. Inversion occurs when cold air accumulates near the ground and warm air remains in the upper layers, hindering the dispersion of pollutants. On windless and foggy days, polluted air remains in the area for an extended time, causing severe health problems. Air pollution affects everyone, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses, increasing the risks of respiratory infections, asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Environmentally, pollutants cause acid rain, threatening forest ecosystems, agricultural lands, and water resources, reducing soil fertility, and negatively impacting biodiversity. Economically, air pollution imposes significant costs on countries through increased healthcare expenses, workforce losses, and decreased agricultural productivity.
Measures to Reduce Pollution
Various measures are being taken in Türkiye to reduce air pollution. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, along with metropolitan municipalities, conducts projects to monitor and reduce air quality. In recent years, measures such as accelerating the transition to renewable energy in energy production, expanding public transportation projects, and creating low-emission zones have been implemented. Additionally, installing filter systems in industrial areas and tightening inspections are significant steps in reducing air pollution. In Türkiye’s major cities, air pollution is influenced by several sources, particularly industrial activities, transportation, and fuels used for heating. Increased pollution levels in densely populated cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir pose risks to public health and cause permanent environmental damage. To address this situation, clean energy use should be promoted, vehicle emissions reduced, and public awareness raised.