Croatia confronts dangerous gas leaks and growing plastic waste

Greenpeace Croatia reported that a field study conducted in early June detected elevated concentrations of methane and other toxic gases—including volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide—near six of eight examined sites close to underground gas storage facilities. The survey, using the Gas Sniffer 4D detector and involving German and Croatian researchers, suggests possible leaks from oil and gas plants. Petra Andrić of Greenpeace said, “While people across Europe die from heat waves, the fossil‑fuel industry must do everything to cut methane emissions.” The organization urged the government to enforce EU rules that ban routine gas flaring from 2026 and to develop a plan to phase out fossil gas by 2035.

In a related environmental incident, a large fish caught in the Adriatic Sea was found with a plastic bottle inside its stomach, highlighting the prevalence of plastic litter. Croatian Ministry data show per‑capita consumption of single‑use plastic bags has risen to 121 bags per year. Officials and NGOs warned that micro‑plastic pollution threatens ecosystems and human health, citing statements such as Ana Marija Mileusnić’s warning that micro‑plastics can cause hormonal disorders and reproductive problems. Calls for stronger waste‑reduction measures and the continued charge on lightweight plastic bags were reiterated.