Vol. 65 (2025): Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Decarbonization and the Phase-Out of Coal: A Public Health Imperative and a Development Opportunity
Air pollution remains one of the most serious environmental and public health challenges in Sarajevo Canton and across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Winter pollution episodes characterized by extremely high concentrations of particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), sulphur dioxide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons clearly indicate the dominant contribution of coal and other solid fuels used in residential heating and the energy sector. In this context, decarbonization should not be viewed as an abstract climate objective, but rather as an immediate measure for protecting public health and improving quality of life.
In recent years, Sarajevo Canton has taken an important step forward by developing strategic documents aimed at the gradual restriction of coal use and the modernization of heating systems. The emphasis on replacing inefficient individual stoves, improving building energy efficiency, and strengthening district heating systems reflects a sound understanding of the local pollution profile. However, the main challenge remains implementation: without stable financing mechanisms, clearly defined timelines, and consistent enforcement, even well-designed strategies risk having limited impact.
At the national level, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy system remains heavily dependent on coal, particularly in electricity generation. This dependency creates multiple risks—environmental, health-related, and economic—as European climate policies steadily increase the cost of emissions and undermine the long-term viability of coal-fired power plants. At the same time, progress toward renewable energy deployment and cleaner heating solutions has been slower than in most European countries, partly due to institutional fragmentation and the absence of coherent longterm planning.
Within the European context, decarbonization has become the central framework for energy and industrial development. The European Green Deal, emission reduction targets, and the Just Transition mechanism clearly signal that investments in coal no longer have a sustainable development rationale. For countries aspiring to closer integration with the European Union, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, this represents a strong external signal: energy transition is no longer a matter of choice, but a prerequisite for economic competitiveness and political alignment.
The technical and policy solutions to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions are well known. Energy efficiency measures—such as thermal insulation and building retrofitting—often deliver the fastest and most cost-effective benefits. Replacing individual coal-fired stoves with modern heating systems, including heat pumps, district heating, and renewable energy-based solutions, directly reduces local air pollution. In parallel, the expansion of renewable electricity generation must be accompanied by clear and credible plans for the gradual phase-out of coal-based capacity.
The social dimension of the transition deserves particular attention. Coal is not merely an energy source, but also a livelihood for certain communities. Decarbonization policies must therefore incorporate measures to protect vulnerable households, subsidize clean heating alternatives, and support reskilling and employment transition programs for affected workers. Without such measures, the energy transition risks losing public support and exacerbating social inequalities.
The role of the scientific community in this process is crucial. Through robust measurements, source apportionment studies, and assessments of the health and economic benefits of decarbonization, science can provide an evidence-based foundation for policy decisions. Editorials, scientific papers, and interdisciplinary research can help bridge the gap between climate policy objectives and everyday public concerns—cleaner air, reduced health risks, and long-term economic resilience.
Decarbonization in Sarajevo Canton and Bosnia and Herzegovina is therefore not only an obligation to future generations, but a responsibility toward present ones. The era of coal as the backbone of the energy system is drawing to a close; the challenge lies in transforming this inevitability into a development opportunity rather than another missed chance.
