February 2025: why the air in Kyiv has become so polluted
3 March 21:48
Experts explained why the air quality in Kyiv deteriorated in February. The information was posted on its official website by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.
In February 2025, Ukrainian media and social media actively discussed air pollution, especially in Kyiv. Many publications were accompanied by erroneous interpretations of the reasons for the increased level of pollution. Despite official explanations from the authorities, some users disseminated false information, leading to manipulations and unfounded conclusions.
The concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere is formed by emissions in a particular region and the possible transfer of pollutant particles from other areas. In cities, the main sources of pollution are road transport and industry, unlike in rural areas, where pollution can be associated with heating private homes. Meteorological conditions also play an important role: lack of precipitation, low winds, and temperature inversions contribute to the accumulation of pollutants near the ground surface.
February 2025 in Ukraine was characterized by anticyclonic weather, which led to frequent temperature inversions and calm, especially in the period from February 7 to 14, 17-19, and 22-24. This adversely affected the dispersion of pollutants, leading to their significant accumulation in cities. In addition, very low wind speeds were recorded on these days, which further aggravated the situation.
The highest level of pollution was observed in large cities with a high density of vehicles and industry. The war could also have affected the situation, as in some regions enterprises used lower quality fuel. However, such processes are typical for the winter season not only in Ukraine but also in other European countries.
The lack of an effective emissions control system exacerbates the problem. Ukraine has no clear mechanisms for regulating emissions from industry and transportation during adverse weather conditions.
The impact of the war on air pollution in February 2025 was insignificant. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of the State Emergency Service and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine found that emissions from the hostilities were localized, mainly as a result of fires after missile and drone strikes. However, they did not have a significant impact on the overall picture of air pollution in cities.
Satellite data for February 22-24, 2025 confirm that anthropogenic emissions from cities remained the main source of pollution. The highest concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) was recorded in Kyiv and other industrial centers. The exception was on February 23, when the transfer of polluted air from Russia led to an increase in NO₂ levels in Kharkiv region.
Thus, the main reason for the deterioration in air quality in February 2025 was unfavorable meteorological conditions combined with anthropogenic emissions. To improve the situation, it is necessary to implement measures to regulate emissions during periods of high pollution and improve the air monitoring system.
