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Can urban environmental problems be overcome? The case of Skopje–world’s most polluted city

Author

Listed:
  • Arsovski Slobodan

    (Chamber of Certified Architects and Certified Engineers, Blvd. Partizanski Odredi 29, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia)

  • Kwiatkowski Michał
  • Lewandowska Aleksandra

    (Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Department of Urban Studies and Regional Development, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland)

  • Peshevska Dimitrinka Jordanova

    (University American College Skopje, School of Political Science, Blvd. III Makedonska Brigada 60, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia)

  • Sofeska Emilija

    (Cosmo Innovative Center, Blvd. Jane Sandanski 113, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia)

  • Dymitrow Mirek

    (Chalmers University of Technology, Mistra Urban Futures, Läraregatan 3, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract

The condition of the environment is one of the most fundamental concerns of cities worldwide, especially when high levels of pollution and environmental destruction exert immense impact on people’s quality of life. This paper focuses on Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, which often tops the charts as the world’s most polluted city. Despite associated problems such as congestion, ill health, and premature death, Macedonia’s scarce resources are instead spent on controversial projects, such as ‘Skopje 2014’, involving creating a national identity through massive and extremely costly constructions of neo-classical government buildings, museums and monuments. The aim of this paper is to compare the situation of Skopje to environmentally oriented activities conducted in several Polish cities and to discuss the possibility of their implementation in Skopje. Considering the scale and scope of Skopje’s environmental problems, the paper offers some priorities for action, including solutions that emphasize institution building, technical input and self-governance. It also highlights a number of economic, ecological, and socio-cultural contradictions involved in the process of achieving sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Arsovski Slobodan & Kwiatkowski Michał & Lewandowska Aleksandra & Peshevska Dimitrinka Jordanova & Sofeska Emilija & Dymitrow Mirek, 2018. "Can urban environmental problems be overcome? The case of Skopje–world’s most polluted city," Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series, Sciendo, vol. 40(40), pages 17-39, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:buogeo:v:40:y:2018:i:40:p:17-39:n:2
    DOI: 10.2478/bog-2018-0012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pretty, Jules & Ward, Hugh, 2001. "Social Capital and the Environment," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 209-227, February.
    2. Robert Krzysztofik & Mirek Dymitrow & Iwona Kantor-Pietraga & Tomasz Spórna, 2016. "The Concept of Urban Hibernation," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(2), pages 316-343, February.
    3. Niemi, R. & Mikkola, J. & Lund, P.D., 2012. "Urban energy systems with smart multi-carrier energy networks and renewable energy generation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 524-536.
    4. Natasha Donevska, 2017. "Trade-offs in sustainable urban development: the case of Skopje," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 7(1), pages 152-159, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dymitrow Mirek & Halfacree Keith, 2018. "Sustainability–differently," Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series, Sciendo, vol. 40(40), pages 7-16, June.

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