Julian Popov: Measures against dirty air are low emission zones, strict technical inspections, high taxes for old cars

Bulgaria has a strategy for dealing with climate change and a strategy for adaptation to climate change, but the road to implementation by the municipalities is long and takes a long time. This was commented on Nova TV in the program "On focus" by the Minister of Environment and Water, Julian Popov.

He commented on the complex meteorological situation in the country, stressing that it is also due to a change in the climate, which is explained by a sudden change in the weather, heavy rains and snowfall suddenly and concentrated. The snow is wet and heavy, which explains a lot of broken trees not only in the cities, but also in the forests.

He allayed concerns about worsening gamma-ray background radiation in the country, saying there was no evidence of that. He asked the people and the media to verify the information before spreading it on social media because it is easily verified with just a few clicks as the stations display the data in real time and anyone can verify the veracity of the information. According to him, the gassing situation in several metropolitan districts has also been brought under control.

Minister Yulian Popov also commented on his position on closing coal plants by 2030. He said he has been in this position for 10 years and it hasn't changed. Emissions prices clearly show this trend, the market is relentless, but moreover it is predictable, the minister pointed out. We have had clear emission targets for many years since the beginning of the emission market in 2005, when we had to plan for the reduction of coal capacities, we did not plan and now it is normal to be unprepared, emphasized the Eco minister.

Julian Popov pointed out that the issue of pollution in cities throughout the country is very important, but Sofia is not the dirtiest city. The problem with the low emission zones is that they also had to start operating earlier. Bulgaria has a very high share of ownership of old cars in Europe. The solution is not to ban the import of old cars, which contradicts the free market, but there must be incentives, there must be other low-emission zones, stricter technical inspections, high taxes for old cars, Julian Popov said in conclusion.