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World Bank: Over 65,000 Premature Deaths a Year in Central Asia Linked To Air Pollution

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges in Central Asia, with significant consequences for human life and regional economies. A new World Bank assessment highlights the scale of the crisis, linking poor air quality to more than 65,000 premature deaths in 2021 across the region. The report identifies pollution from fossil fuel combustion, especially for heating and transportation, as a major contributor to declining air quality in both urban and rural areas. Transboundary sand and dust storms are compounding the problem, affecting multiple countries simultaneously. In many Central Asian cities, concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceed safe limits by a wide margin. During the winter, levels can spike to six to twelve times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended thresholds. The economic burden is also staggering: the annual health costs associated with air pollution are estimated at $15-21 billion, representing 3-5% of the region’s GDP in 2022. Human-Caused Emissions Dominate According to experts, 50-80% of PM2.5 exposure is due to human activity, primarily the burning of solid fuels for heating in households and small businesses. While natural dust is a contributing factor in some areas, anthropogenic sources remain the dominant driver. The World Bank argues that this crisis can be mitigated with the right policy interventions. Effective strategies include reducing emissions from household heating, traffic, and industrial operations, as well as expanding urban green spaces. To better coordinate efforts, the Bank advocates for an “airshed approach”, a governance model that promotes joint responsibility between national and local authorities to improve air quality. Additional recommendations include strengthening air quality laws and monitoring systems, updating standards, raising public awareness, and enhancing cross-border cooperation among Central Asian states. Impact on Children A separate report by UNICEF underscores the disproportionate toll air pollution takes on children. In 2021, approximately 6,441 children and teenagers across Europe and Central Asia died from air pollution-related causes, 85% of them under the age of one. UNICEF stressed that these deaths were entirely preventable. Experts maintain that improving air quality could yield wide-ranging benefits, including increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced quality of life. They urge governments to integrate air quality management into climate and development plans to unlock additional financial and technical assistance.

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South Korea to Support Electric Transport Infrastructure Development in Bishkek

South Korean companies will assist Bishkek in building a modern charging infrastructure for electric public transport, following agreements reached between Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Sanzhar Bolotov and representatives of the Korea Environmental Transport Association, along with several private firms. The collaboration aims to jointly develop, implement, and operate a state-of-the-art network of charging stations for electric buses in the Kyrgyz capital. It also includes the introduction of improved environmental practices. “The South Korean side expressed its readiness not only to help with infrastructure, but also to transfer to Bishkek expert knowledge and technology in the field of eco-friendly transport, as well as to conduct extensive information campaigns to promote electric transport among the population,” the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Trade stated. The agreement also encompasses a range of environmental initiatives. South Korean experts will assist Bishkek in improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions, critical objectives for a city frequently plagued by severe air pollution, particularly in the autumn and winter months. An important component of the agreement is the training of young specialists in South Korea. “Particular attention will be paid to the formation of a system of interaction between industry and the academic community, which will ensure the employment of trained specialists and the development of local expertise in the field of charging infrastructure operation,” the ministry added. Bishkek has pursued a consistent strategy of replacing traditional public transport with electric alternatives. Initially, the city phased out route taxis, replacing them with buses powered by gas and petrol. More recently, city authorities purchased 120 electric buses manufactured in China, with some units already delivered, through a project in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank. Concurrently, the city has begun phasing out its aging trolleybus fleet, a move that has sparked public debate. The infrastructure previously used for trolleybuses is being repurposed for the electric bus network. However, the process has faced delays, and several tenders for modifying the existing contact network have been cancelled. Starting in 2025, the popular Ala-Archa Nature Park will ban entry for vehicles with internal combustion engines. Tourists will be transported exclusively by municipal electric buses or allowed to use their own electric vehicles.

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Saiga Conservation Clash: Kazakhstan Aids China, Russia Struggles

Kazakhstan will transfer 1,500 saigas to China to help restore the species' population in the western regions of the People’s Republic of China. The announcement came during a bilateral meeting between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi expressed gratitude for the initiative, reaffirming China’s commitment to restoring the population of this antelope species. Returning to Their Historical Habitat On June 18, Minister of Ecology Yerlan Nysanbayev elaborated on the decision, explaining that the move is part of an effort to support the long-term sustainability of the species by reintroducing it to its historical range. “Kazakhstan is currently home to 99% of the world's saiga population. Since 2003, when only 2,500 individuals remained, we have grown the population to more than five million,” Nysanbayev said. The minister emphasized that the transfer will proceed only after a joint scientific assessment by Kazakh and Chinese experts, who will evaluate potential resettlement zones, available food sources, and optimal transport methods. When asked whether the move aimed to reduce saiga numbers in response to farmers’ complaints, Nysanbayev dismissed the idea. "Can 1,500 animals really affect the overall population or solve issues like agricultural damage? This is absolutely irrelevant,” he stated. Nysanbayev also underscored the importance of international cooperation in biodiversity conservation. “The saiga population has historically extended beyond Kazakhstan, into Mongolia, China, Russia, and Turkmenistan,” he added. Ongoing Tensions Between Wildlife and Agriculture Despite conservation successes, conflicts between saigas and agricultural interests remain a serious concern. In 2022, farmers in the West Kazakhstan and Akmola regions reported significant crop losses and property damage caused by saigas, with some even calling for a state of emergency to be declared in the West Kazakhstan Region. In response to growing tensions, the government included saigas in the list of species subject to regulation in late 2023. Authorities initially planned to capture up to 200,000 animals, but logistical challenges led to the approval of a limited culling. This shift enabled meat-processing plants to begin producing canned saiga meat. However, in February 2024, the Ministry of Ecology suspended population control measures following President Tokayev’s public call to protect this iconic symbol of the Kazakh steppe. Nevertheless, in March 2025, during a meeting of the National Kurultai, President Tokayev acknowledged the strain on agriculture and raised concerns about potential epizootic risks and broader ecological pressures. “Agriculture is suffering. There are risks of a worsening epizootic situation. Overall, the burden on the ecosystem has increased,” Tokayev said. Minister Nysanbayev later confirmed that discussions about potential future regulation are ongoing. “It will take time for science to thoroughly study the situation again,” he said. Options under consideration include culling through corrals or selective shooting, with final decisions to be guided by scientific recommendations. Saiga Migration Threatens Saratov Farmers' Livelihoods In Russia, meanwhile, farmers and agricultural leaders in the Novouzensky district of the Saratov region have appealed to President Putin for help, citing a severe threat to their livelihoods from saigas migrating from the Kazakh steppes. They claim the influx of...

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UNDP and Japan Launch Initiative in Uzbekistan to Reduce Emissions and Boost Energy Efficiency

Uzbekistan has launched a new international initiative aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in public infrastructure. Spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Japan and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the project targets key sectors including schools, hospitals, kindergartens, and public transportation.z According to UNDP Uzbekistan, the initiative seeks to bolster the country’s resilience to energy-related challenges driven by increasingly extreme weather conditions. Many public buildings in Uzbekistan suffer from outdated infrastructure and significant energy loss, resulting in elevated emissions and burdensome utility expenses. The project will focus on upgrading facilities with thermal insulation, energy-efficient windows, heat pumps, and solar panels to address these inefficiencies. A central objective is to enhance indoor comfort throughout the year, particularly in regions experiencing extreme seasonal temperatures. The installation of modern heating and cooling systems is expected to make classrooms and hospital wards more sustainable and livable. The initiative will also extend to green mobility, supporting the introduction of electric buses, the development of charging infrastructure, and the deployment of air pollution monitoring systems along urban transport routes. A distinctive feature of the program is its use of the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM), which provides Uzbekistan with access to advanced Japanese technology and investment. This mechanism facilitates international collaboration on carbon reduction and supports the country's transition toward cleaner technologies. The initiative aligns with Uzbekistan’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The government has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent and raise the share of clean energy to 25 percent by 2030. According to UNDP representatives and officials from the National Agency for Energy Efficiency, the project is not only designed to meet environmental targets but also to improve public health and alleviate the financial strain caused by inefficient energy systems. This latest endeavor builds on previous sustainable development projects in Uzbekistan. Notably, a European Union and UNDP-backed program has supported the country’s fish farming industry by providing eco-friendly equipment to enhance water quality and reduce energy consumption.

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Extreme Heat Warps Roads Across Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is experiencing widespread road damage due to an intense heatwave, with asphalt and cement concrete surfaces warping in both southern and northeastern regions of the country. The national road operator KazAutoZhol has stated that such deformation is a normal response to extreme heat conditions. Air temperatures have soared above 35°C across most regions, prompting meteorologists to advise residents to avoid going outdoors during peak daylight hours. The most affected areas are inter-city highways, where the heat has caused significant stress on infrastructure. The first reports of road warping emerged from the Pavlodar Region in northeastern Kazakhstan. On June 13, local authorities conducted emergency repairs at kilometer 1,265 of the Astana-Shiderty-Pavlodar-Uspenka-Russian border highway. Concrete slabs had buckled following a sharp temperature increase to 33-35°C. Notably, this highway is a toll road, and the damage drew criticism from motorists. Shortly thereafter, similar issues were reported in the south. On June 19, KazAutoZhol announced repairs on the Shymkent, Uzbekistan border highway, specifically at kilometer 763, another toll section. The pavement there had deformed due to air temperatures reaching 40-45°C. On the same day, further damage was reported on the Astana-Pavlodar highway in central Kazakhstan, where several consecutive days of temperatures between 32-35°C contributed to the melting and lifting of concrete slabs. "Cement concrete pavements are particularly sensitive to sudden temperature changes," experts from KazAutoZhol explained. "In hot conditions, the slabs expand. If gaps between them are insufficient or joints are compromised, internal stress can cause the slabs to suddenly lift, a phenomenon commonly referred to as a 'blow-up.' This is typical in regions where daytime temperatures exceed 35°C, which includes much of southern and central Kazakhstan." KazAutoZhol also cited similar challenges in other countries, noting that in the United States, states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois report comparable incidents nearly every summer. The organization operates under the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, which recently saw a leadership shake-up. In mid-May, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reprimanded then-Minister Marat Karabayev for multiple failings within the transport sector. Karabayev was dismissed in early June, and his deputy, Maksat Kaliakparov, was appointed acting minister. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, construction began this month on the strategic Center-West highway corridor, part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), a key freight link connecting China and Europe via Kazakhstan.

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Artificial Glacier Technology to Support Kyrgyz Farmers Amid Climate Change

Artificial glacier technology is emerging as a promising solution to help Kyrgyz farmers adapt to the growing challenges of climate change. By enhancing irrigation efficiency and ensuring a more reliable water supply, these innovations aim to strengthen the resilience of mountain communities dependent on agriculture. The technology was the focus of a roundtable discussion held on June 17 in Bishkek, titled “Technical Solutions for Improving Water Availability in Irrigation Systems for Mountain Communities in Kyrgyzstan Under Climate Change.” At the event, Oleg Guchgeldiyev, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Kyrgyzstan, presented a new FAO initiative to develop and expand artificial glacier infrastructure in the country. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan. With natural glaciers rapidly retreating due to global warming, water scarcity during the summer months has become a critical concern for Kyrgyz farmers. Artificial glaciers, engineered ice structures formed in winter and melted during warmer periods, offer a low-cost, scalable method of ensuring water availability during the growing season. “Artificial glaciers are not just a technological solution,” Guchgeldiyev said. “These innovations serve as a pillar of resilience for rural communities in a changing climate. Such projects strengthen food security and promote long-term agricultural development.” How the Technology Works The FAO’s “Glacier - Reservoir - Farmer” system combines artificial glaciers with small water reservoirs and modern irrigation methods such as drip systems. Water is collected from mountain springs and funneled through a pipeline to a vertical outlet pipe, 10 to 15 meters high. The elevation difference generates pressure that sprays water into the air. In winter, this spray freezes, gradually forming an ice cone. In summer, the stored ice melts and is directed to nearby reservoirs, from which it is distributed to fields for irrigation and livestock use. “Location is critical for glacier construction,” noted Matraim Jusupov, an FAO expert in agriculture and water management. “On average, one artificial glacier can supply water for 300 to 500 hectares of land.” The integration of reservoirs and pipeline systems minimizes water loss and enhances distribution efficiency, improving crop yields and rural livelihoods. Early Implementation and Expansion Kyrgyzstan already has over 30 artificial glaciers, with early projects implemented in the Uzgen, Kochkor, and Aksy districts. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, In autumn 2024, seven more artificial glaciers were constructed in villages across the Batken region as part of the FAO’s broader climate adaptation strategy. These initiatives are part of Kyrgyzstan’s growing efforts to modernize its water infrastructure and build resilience against the intensifying impacts of climate change on its agriculture-dependent economy.