February 26, 2026: Krasnoyarsk among top 10 most polluted cities in the world – IQAir

Air Quality Report: Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Current Air Quality Status

As of February 25, 2026, at 8:30 PM PT, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, is experiencing poor air quality with an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 170, categorizing the conditions as unhealthy. This situation poses significant health risks to the population and calls for urgent attention aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Residents are advised to:

• Avoid outdoor exercise
• Keep windows closed
• Use air purifiers indoors

For real-time monitoring, refer to the Krasnoyarsk air quality map.

Long-Term Air Quality Trends

Long-term data reveal persistent air pollution challenges in Krasnoyarsk:

1. 2021: Average PM2.5 concentration of 49 µg/m³
2. 2022: Increased to 52 µg/m³
3. 2023: Decreased to 26 µg/m³
4. 2024: Further decreased to 11 µg/m³

These figures remain significantly above the World Health Organization’s annual guideline of 5 µg/m³, highlighting the need for sustained environmental policies in line with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Krasnoyarsk ranked among the most polluted major cities as of February 25, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Forecast and Expected Improvements

Air quality is forecasted to improve over the next few hours, potentially reaching moderate levels. However, winter conditions in Siberia often cause temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, prolonging poor air quality episodes. This phenomenon underscores the importance of integrating climate resilience strategies under SDG 13.

Hourly air quality forecast for Krasnoyarsk as of February 25, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Daily air quality trends over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

Air quality map of Krasnoyarsk as of February 25, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Causes of Poor Air Quality

The severe air pollution in Krasnoyarsk results from multiple sources:

• Industrial emissions from coal-fired power plants and aging facilities
• Residential heating using coal and wood, contributing to elevated PM2.5 levels
• Diesel vehicle traffic and construction dust
• Geographical factors such as valley topography and stagnant weather conditions trapping pollutants

Addressing these causes aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by promoting cleaner energy sources, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through modernization of industrial processes.

Protective Measures for Residents

To mitigate health risks from poor air quality, residents should:

• Limit outdoor activities during high pollution periods
• Use indoor air purification systems
• Advocate for and support local policies aimed at reducing emissions

These actions contribute to achieving SDG 3 by protecting public health and enhancing community resilience.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses the health impacts of poor air quality, advising residents to avoid outdoor exercise and use air purifiers, which relates directly to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights urban air pollution challenges in Krasnoyarsk, linking to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article mentions emissions from coal-fired power plants and residential heating, which are sources of greenhouse gases and pollutants, connecting to combating climate change and its impacts.
4. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The reliance on coal and wood for heating points to energy challenges, relevant to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 11 – Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, which includes reducing emissions from industrial sources.
4. SDG 7 – Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, implying a shift from coal and wood to cleaner energy sources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for SDG 3.9: Concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. The article provides specific PM2.5 values for Krasnoyarsk over several years (e.g., 11 µg/m³ in 2024, 26 µg/m³ in 2023, etc.) compared to the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³.
2. Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. The article mentions the AQI being above 170, categorizing the air quality as unhealthy, which is a direct measure of urban air pollution.
3. Indicator for SDG 13.2: Emission levels from coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities. While not quantified, the article identifies these as major pollution sources, implying the need to monitor emissions.
4. Indicator for SDG 7.1: Proportion of population using clean fuels and technologies for heating. The article implies reliance on coal and wood for residential heating, suggesting this as an indicator for clean energy access.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: iqair.com