The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia's Kemerovo region, also known as Kuzbass, issued an urgent environmental warning, declaring a "black sky" regime in effect for three major industrial areas. The warning covers the cities of Novokuznetsk and Prokopyevsk, as well as the Novokuznetsk administrative district, where adverse weather conditions contributing to the accumulation of air pollutants are expected to persist until February 3.
What is the “Black Sky” system?
The term “black sky” (Russian: режим черного неба) is an official warning system activated in Russian cities when certain atmospheric conditions prevent the dissipation of industrial emissions and other pollutants. These conditions typically include a lack of wind, fog formation, and a thermal inversion phenomenon, where a layer of warm air traps cooler, polluted air near the Earth's surface. As a result, a dense cloud of smoke and chemical smog accumulates over cities, leading to a sharp deterioration in air quality and reduced visibility, giving the sky a gloomy appearance.
Kuzbass: The industrial heart of Russia and its environmental challenges
Kemerovo Oblast, located in the heart of Siberia, is home to one of the world's largest coal basins, making it a vital center for heavy industry in Russia, including mining, steelmaking, and metallurgy. This massive industrial concentration is the primary cause of the region's chronic air pollution problem. Factories and coal mines operate around the clock, releasing large quantities of particulate matter and toxic gases into the atmosphere. The problem is exacerbated in winter, particularly by the use of coal-fired heating systems and increased atmospheric conditions that lead to stagnant air.
Expected health and social impacts
The declaration of a “black sky” situation poses a direct threat to the health of local residents. Health authorities warn that inhaling the heavily polluted air can cause or exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, are advised to stay indoors as much as possible, keep their windows closed, and avoid outdoor physical activity. Under this regime, industrial facilities in the region have been urgently called upon to take immediate measures to reduce their air pollution emissions, a legally mandated action to mitigate the crisis until weather conditions improve.
