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In May, the Slovak Environment Agency, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic and other partners of the LIFE IP - Air Quality Improvement project, organized three regional workshops focused on air quality for representatives of local governments from the Košice, Žilina and Banskobystrica self-governing regions (KSK, ŽSK,BBSK).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of asthma has doubled in the last 10 years. According to WHO estimates, about 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, and by 2025 it will be 100 million more. We remember the problems of people with asthma this year on May 7 on World Asthma Day.

It used to be common in the lowland areas of Slovakia that people procured firewood by cutting willows growing on the banks of streams and brooks. Apart from the shade that the willow trees provided for grazing herds, the dense root system strengthened the banks, but the main benefit of the willows was in the form of wicker and wood. They could be willows, but also hornbeams, oaks, agates or ash trees.

Transport is one of the main causes of air pollution in Slovakia. Reducing emissions from road transport is one of the most effective ways to rapidly improve air quality. How can this be achieved and what role does idling play in it? 

In connection with air quality, the Trnava Self-Governing Region (TTSK) is one of the less problematic areas, as the air quality here is not significantly affected by large local sources of pollution. At the same time, the nature itself ensures a better atmosphere compared to the rest of Slovakia.

Brazilian samba, famous Venetian masks, or true Slovak “Fašiangy”. Travel the world with us in a single day and get to know carnival traditions from different corners of the world. Let yourself be drawn to the Populair stand, where fun and educational activities with the theme of clean air await you. Just pack a good mood, take a deep breath, it's going to be an adventure! In addition to our colleagues, you will be entertained by Miro Jaroš, Fíha Tralala, Junior and Polemic.

Freezing temperatures bring with them various problems. One of them, which many people may not be aware of, is the significantly deteriorated air quality. Why is this happening and why should we care?

Trees have the ability to absorb and reduce pollutants from the air. This process allows trees and other plants to absorb, capture and neutralize harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, dust particles, heavy metals and others. Certain types of trees have specific properties for ridding the air of pollutants. For example, maples, oaks, lindens, firs and spruces can effectively trap solid particles and dust, while catalpas are able to absorb nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides with their large leaves.

It is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. The participants of the study trip to North Moravia in mid-October could convince themselves of the validity of the saying. During four days, mayors and officials could be inspired by innovative projects and solutions in the field of community energy, proper heating, air quality and the development of sustainable mobility.

International cooperation between three integrated LIFE projects

Countries in the Central European region face similar problems with air pollution, therefore the international exchange of experience is the key to the successful implementation of integrated LIFE projects (IP) aimed at improving air quality.