Kraków, Poland in top 5 worst air quality worldwide

Assuming a large contributing factor is all the coal plants now running to sustain Germany's independence from nuclear? Berlin's air quality has also tanked a lot since the energy crisis started.

Re: Kraków, Poland in top 5 worst air quality worldwide

#5

Post by gregorygoc » Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 8:38 AM UTC

danduma wrote: post #2

But... how?

It’s in the valley and because Polish state is kinda weak they cannot enforce nearby villages to stop burning garbage to heat their homes.

Re: Kraków, Poland in top 5 worst air quality worldwide

#6

Post by kubb » Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 8:39 AM UTC

danduma wrote: post #2

But... how?

I think it’s topology (concave) + widespread poor heating methods in the agglomeration + a very bad day + inefficient combustion engines.

I’d maybe include accurate measurements. The government isn’t trying to hide that and doesn’t have the means to, and highly quality sensors are widespread.

Re: Kraków, Poland in top 5 worst air quality worldwide

#7

Post by lostlogin » Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 8:39 AM UTC

danduma wrote: post #2

But... how?

Coal and cars?

Looks like it clears up quite quickly.

Re: Kraków, Poland in top 5 worst air quality worldwide

#8

Post by gregorygoc » Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 8:39 AM UTC

fragebogen wrote: post #4

danduma wrote: post #2

But... how?

Assuming a large contributing factor is all the coal plants now running to sustain Germany's independence from nuclear? Berlin's air quality has also tanked a lot since the energy crisis started.

Wrong assumption, it’s been that way long before the energy crisis started.

Re: Kraków, Poland in top 5 worst air quality worldwide

#9

Post by melting_snow » Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 8:40 AM UTC

danduma wrote: post #2

But... how?

There are many houses in Poland that are using coal heating, and unfortunately a lot of people burn there their thrash. Kraków is surrounded by smaller towns and villages, where single family houses are common. To make things even worse, Kraków is in a basin, which makes the air flow even more difficult. If you add there years of city mismanagement when it comes to air flow, you land in such a situation

Re: Kraków, Poland in top 5 worst air quality worldwide

#10

Post by melting_snow » Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 8:42 AM UTC

lostlogin wrote: post #7

danduma wrote: post #2

But... how?

Coal and cars? Looks like it clears up quite quickly.

During covid, when car traffic went to almost 0, the air quality was also extremely bad. Its mostly coal in the houses plus some people are not even using coal in their heating systems