Environmental Assessment of the Impact of Urban Transport on Air Pollution in Baku City

In modern times, the increase in population density in cities and the year-on-year rise in the number of cars are among the main factors negatively affecting air quality. In particular, the intensity of road traffic in Baku increases the volume of harmful substances released into the atmosphere, having a serious impact on the environmental situation and human health. This study analyses the emissions generated on the city's four main arterial roads with the highest traffic load, and their impacts on the environment and the socio-economic sphere are assessed based on international methodological approaches. The calculations applied the EMEP/EEA methodology, the World Health Organisation's 2021 air quality recommendations, and the principles for the valuation of external costs. Analyses show that most of the country's carbon monoxide emissions, approximately 71%, and 44% of its nitrogen oxides, originate from the transport sector. Much of that pollution is concentrated in Baku and has a particularly significant impact on the environment in the capital. The average annual concentration of PM₂.₅ particles is estimated to range from 19 to 45 μg/m³, which is several times higher than accepted international health standards. This leads to an increased risk of heart and lung diseases in people breathing in polluted air for long periods. An economic assessment found that transport-related air pollution causes losses of over US$370 million annually, due to premature deaths, additional healthcare costs, and decreased productivity of citizens.  The study recommends several measures, such as phasing out old vehicles, increasing the number of electric vehicles, improving and optimizing public transport, creating low-emission zones, implementing smart vehicle infrastructure, and improving green spaces in cities. These measures have the potential to reduce PM2.5 emissions by 34-50% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 41-55% by 2030. The study's results show that improving air quality in Baku should not be limited to technical measures alone. Transport development and environmental policy must be integrated. These results have important implications for the development of sustainable urban transport in Azerbaijan, environmental protection, and the scientific basis for future policy decisions.