Environmental issues in Albania
There are a number of known environmental issues in the post-communist country of Albania. Issues include air and water pollution, poor waste management infrastructure and deforestation. The Albanian environmental movement includes around 40 active non-government organisations.
Issues
Air pollution
Air pollution is a major environmental issue in the bigger cities of Albania, especially the capital, Tirana. The sharp increase in air pollution in bigger cities resulted from a sharp increase in cars' ownership, increasing secondary activity in the area and decrease of urban greenery. Annual average concentrations of PM10 and NO2 in Tirana are above the limit values of National Air Quality Standard and World Health Organization.Climate change
Albania is one of the European countries most at risk and vulnerable to natural disasters. Natural disasters, such as floods and forest fires, are increasing in Albania due to climate change, causing significant damage. Albania experiences nearly one natural disaster annually on average, each disaster causing damage equivalent to 1.3% of the country’s GDP and impacting around 5% of the population. Rising sea levels are anticipated to negatively impact coastal communities and the tourism industry.In 2023 Albania emitted 7.67 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, equivalent to 2.73 tonnes per person, making it a relatively low emitting country. Albania's Nationally Determined Contribution to the UNFCCC, submitted in 2016 and revised in 2021, outlines efforts to enhance climate resilience across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, public health, and biodiversity. The country is prioritizing adaptation through policies, research, and investments in areas such as coastal protection, urban planning, and climate awareness. Albania's climate action is guided by its National Adaptation Planning and its Third National Communication. The country is dedicated to creating a long-term strategy for low-carbon development and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Albania has pledged a 20.9% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030.
Water pollution
Water pollution in Albania is caused by disposal of trash, and discharge of untreated wastewater and sewage. Two rivers which pass through the capital, Tirana, are two of the most polluted rivers in Albania. Lanë and Ishëm (river) are clean at their source, but once they enter Tirana, their water is several times more polluted than allowed standards.Industrial pollution of rivers has been observed in the rivers Shkumbini, Fani, Gjanika and Semani, where toxic organic compounds and metals from mining and industrial activity are heavily affecting these rivers.