Apathy Clouds Bosnia’s Answer to Its Toxic Air

In Bosnia, whose cities have long been listed among the most polluted in Europe, the statistics are public knowledge. It's estimated that in this country whose main source of energy are its own fossil fuels, mainly lignite, poor air quality causes the death of 3,300 people annually according to the World Bank. Levels of deadly pollutants regularly exceed what the World Health Organization regards is safe for human health, especially during winter months when temperatures drop and people heat their homes with firewood or even charcoal.

Woodpiles on balconies or in front of buildings are a common sight in Bosnia, just like thick clouds of smog, principally in the country's capital Sarajevo, which is located in a deep valley surrounded by tall mountains.

Lemes wanted to convince the religious leaders that something could be done. "Many in Bosnia believe that air pollution is God's will and people should not interfere," Lemes says.

After speaking with the group of religious leaders, he describes the response as mostly positive: "Many leaders asked for further information, as they seemingly didn't know much about fighting pollution."

Samir Lemeš standing in front of the steel mill, ArcelorMittal Zenica, Zenica. By Dariusz Kalan Unhealthy way of life

Reliance on coal and wood for heating homes and businesses, as well as coal for electricity, and outdated diesel vehicles for transportation, all contribute to Bosnia's horrific air quality. But in Zenica, according to Lemes' estimations based on the official register of polluters, some 60 per cent of the air pollution alone is produced by the ArcelorMittal Zenica steel mill, a leading maker of steel products in the Balkans.

Lemes has spent years in a legal battle with that steel...