Air quality in Belgrade during 2025: Seasonal dynamics, meteorological conditions, and the potential of urban forests and greenery in mitigating air pollution

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the key environmental and public health problems of contemporary cities. The aim of this paper was to examine the seasonal dynamics of air pollution in Belgrade during 2025, with particular attention to the role of meteorological conditions and the potential of urban forests and green infrastructure in mitigating population exposure to pollution. The paper is based on a literature review and an analysis of publicly available secondary data, including additional sources on the structure and maintenance of urban greenery in Belgrade. The results indicate a pronounced seasonal variability in air quality, with dominant episodes of suspended particles during the colder part of the year and a greater importance of ground-level ozone during the warmer period. It was observed that meteorological conditions, particularly wind and air ventilation, play an important role in the formation and dispersion of air pollution episodes. The literature review shows that urban forests and green infrastructure can contribute to reducing population exposure to pollution, but that their effect depends on spatial scale, urban form, vegetation structure, and local climatic conditions. The most useful urban planting approach is not based on a single species, but on site-adapted combinations of tolerant trees with high leaf area and suitable crown architecture, including tree avenues and shade trees where ventilation is not obstructed. It is concluded that urban greenery represents an important complementary measure, but not a substitute for reducing emissions at the source.