Spatiotemporal Analysis of NO₂ Dynamics and Anthropogenic Activity in the Navoi Region of Uzbekistan: A Comparative Study Across the COVID-19 Period (2019–2023)
Annotatsiya
Air pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges of the twenty-first century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 7 million premature deaths occur annually as a direct consequence of exposure to polluted air, which is estimated to affect over 90% of the global population. Air pollution manifests in two principal forms: outdoor pollution, largely driven by industrial emissions, transportation, and energy production, and indoor pollution, often linked to inadequate ventilation, heating systems, and household fuel use. Both forms contribute significantly to a wide range of health outcomes, including chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular complications, strokes, and various types of cancer. Vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions—are disproportionately at risk. Efforts to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution include stricter emission regulations, adoption of clean and renewable technologies, expansion of sustainable public transportation networks, and public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness of health risks and preventive strategies. Uzbekistan is not exempt from these challenges. In particular, the Navoi region, recognized as one of the country’s most industrialized areas, faces heightened exposure to harmful substances released into the atmosphere. A comparative analysis of air quality indicators in Navoi’s urban centers before and after the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a significant post-pandemic rise in pollution levels, linked to economic recovery, industrial activity, and transport flows. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and local authorities in developing targeted environmental and public health interventions.