Environment - The Times Of Central Asia

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Air Pollution

Kazakhstan’s Karaganda Among World’s Most Polluted Cities as Central Asia Struggles with Air Quality

Kazakhstan’s Karaganda - the heartland of the nation's coal and metallurgical industries - was ranked as the world’s third most polluted city in 2024, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir. The report evaluates global air quality for 2024, presenting PM2.5 air pollution data collected from 8,954 cities across 138 countries, regions, and territories. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) and is a key indicator of air pollution. Karaganda recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 104.8 µg/m³ in 2024. In comparison, Byrnihat, India, the world's most polluted city, had an average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 µg/m³. Central Asian Cities in the Global Ranking Among the world’s most polluted cities, Central Asia’s major cities ranked as follows: Dushanbe, Tajikistan - 176th, PM2.5: 46.3 µg/m³ Tashkent, Uzbekistan - 510th, PM2.5: 31.4 µg/m³ Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan - 1009th, PM2.5: 21.2 µg/m³ Almaty, Kazakhstan - 1072nd, PM2.5: 20.3 µg/m³ Astana, Kazakhstan - 1608th, PM2.5: 15.4 µg/m³ Kazakhstan’s Regional Air Quality Standing In the ranking of the world's most polluted countries, Kazakhstan had the best air quality in Central Asia, ranking 71st globally. Other regional rankings were: Tajikistan - 6th most polluted country Uzbekistan - 19th Turkmenistan - 26th Kyrgyzstan - 41st Global Air Pollution Trends According to the report, only 17% of global cities met the World Health Organization (WHO) air pollution guideline for PM2.5. The seven countries that met the WHO’s annual average PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³ were: Australia Bahamas Barbados Estonia Grenada Iceland New Zealand The five most polluted countries in 2024 were: Chad – 91.8 µg/m³ (more than 18 times higher than the WHO guideline) Bangladesh – 78.0 µg/m³ (more than 15 times higher) Pakistan – 73.7 µg/m³ (more than 14 times higher) Democratic Republic of the Congo – 58.2 µg/m³ (more than 11 times higher) India – 50.6 µg/m³ (more than 10 times higher) A total of 126 out of 138 countries (91.3%) exceeded the WHO’s annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³. Air Pollution’s Impact on Human Health The report underscores that air pollution remains the greatest environmental threat to human health. According to the WHO, 99% of the global population lives in areas that do not meet recommended air quality levels. Air pollution is the second leading global risk factor for death and the second leading cause of death among children under five, following malnutrition. The health effects of air pollution include respiratory diseases, developmental issues, and increased mortality. In 2021 alone, 8.1 million deaths were attributed to air pollution, with 58% of those deaths caused by ambient PM2.5 pollution.

Transport

Bishkek Collaborates with KOICA and Seoul Institute on Sustainable Urban Transport Project

On March 11, Aibek Junushaliyev, Mayor of Bishkek, met with representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Seoul Institute, an official think tank for South Korea’s capital, to discuss preparations for a project titled, Creating a Sustainable Urban Transport System to Achieve Carbon Neutrality in Bishkek. The initiative aims to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life for Bishkek residents. According to the Bishkek municipality, KOICA representatives presented an implementation plan, while the Seoul Institute provided practical recommendations on integrating innovative transport technologies. The project’s key objectives include: Developing a long-term transport strategy for Bishkek, ensuring sustainable urban mobility Integrating modern technologies to optimize public transport routes, monitor traffic flows, and enhance efficiency through data analysis Improving accessibility and safety for all categories of users, including pedestrians and cyclists Engaging stakeholders, such as local communities, businesses, and NGOs, to ensure an inclusive and citizen-focused transport system Promoting environmental sustainability by introducing eco-friendly public transport and expanding pedestrian and cycling infrastructure Mayor Junushaliyev emphasized that the project’s success would not only modernize the city’s transport infrastructure but also enhance Bishkek’s environmental sustainability and investment appeal. Municipal transport remains a pressing issue in Kyrgyzstan’s rapidly growing capital. However, in recent years, Bishkek has taken steps to modernize its fleet, replacing older diesel-powered vehicles with larger, more eco-friendly buses running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Environment

Kyrgyzstan Bans Plastic Bags at Lake Issyk-Kul

As of March 1, Kyrgyzstan has banned the use and sale of plastic bags and other plastic products in the resort and recreational areas of the Issyk-Kul region, including the beaches of Lake Issyk-Kul, the country’s main tourist destination. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision announced that fines will be imposed for violations, as part of efforts to protect the lake’s unique ecosystem and maintain cleanliness in the region. Penalties for Violations First offense: Warning Repeated violation within one year: Individuals - 3,000 KGS ($34) Legal entities - 10,000 KGS ($114) The ban and fines apply to both local residents and tourists. [caption id="attachment_29619" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Beach at Cholpon Ata; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] "It is not enough to hold only manufacturers or sellers accountable. All citizens must stop using plastic at Issyk-Kul. When visiting the lake, people should bring paper bags or reusable shopping bags," said Almaz Oskonbayev, an official with the ministry. This regional restriction is a precursor to a nationwide ban on plastic bags, set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Ecology

Dams Threaten Central Asia’s Rare Fish and River Ecosystems

A recent study by the international environmental coalition Rivers Without Boundaries has identified key river basins in Central Asia critical for biodiversity. However, many of these ecosystems face significant threats due to dam construction and small hydroelectric power plants, which disrupt natural habitats and endanger migratory fish species. Using geographic information system (GIS) technology based on the ArcGIS platform, researchers found that only 12% of Central Asia’s rivers remain in their natural state, supporting rare and endemic fish species. Another 7% of heavily altered freshwater areas are classified as critical habitats for endangered species, including the Amu Darya Shovelnose and Ili Marinka. Endangered Fish and Disrupted Ecosystems “We analyzed more than 50 endemic fish species across five major river basins in Central Asia,” said Eugene Simonov, lead researcher and international coordinator of Rivers Without Boundaries. “Of these, 21 species are now classified as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Our study also examined the condition of tugai forests, rare floodplain plants, and key water-dependent species such as the Asian otter.” The river network in Central Asia is increasingly fragmented due to dam construction, with the study documenting data on 650 existing and planned dams. As a result, migratory fish species are losing access to their spawning grounds. Some species, such as the Syr Darya false killer whale and Aral salmon, may have already disappeared. Conservation Efforts and Solutions To prevent further environmental damage, experts have developed a GIS-based tool to assess the impact of hydraulic structures on river ecosystems. “This technology can help plan conservation strategies and protect valuable river systems,” said Eugene Egidarev, a GIS specialist at Rivers Without Boundaries. Environmental scientists emphasize the urgent need to protect the remaining intact river sections, where rare fish species still survive. They also call for the preservation of floodplains and riparian ecosystems, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity. Conclusion As hydropower projects expand across Central Asia, balancing energy needs with environmental conservation remains a critical challenge. Experts warn that without stronger protection measures, the region risks losing more of its unique freshwater biodiversity, including species that have existed for millennia.

Air Pollution

U.S. Ends Air Quality Data Sharing from Embassies

The United States has announced it will no longer share air quality data gathered from its diplomatic missions worldwide. This decision has sparked concerns among environmental groups, public health advocates, and nations that rely on this data to track pollution and safeguard public health. For over a decade, U.S. embassies and consulates have provided invaluable air quality data using state-of-the-art equipment to monitor pollutants such as PM2.5, a fine particulate matter with serious health implications at high levels. Updated hourly, this information was readily accessible online, empowering individuals and governments to make informed decisions on managing air pollution risks. The U.S. government has not provided any explanation for this decision. The Times of Central Asia has previously reported on poor air quality across the region sourcing data from U.S. embassies which saw both Tashkent and Bishkek enter the list of the ten worst cities in the world for air pollution, leading to warnings to “avoid outdoor exercise, close your windows, wear a mask outdoors, and run an air purifier.”

Water

Four New Reservoirs to Be Built in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation plans to begin construction of four new reservoirs in the west and south of the country this year, Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov announced at a government meeting. Kazakhstan regularly faces two conflicting water-related challenges: the risk of spring floods inundating settlements and a summer water shortage for agricultural irrigation. To address both issues, construction of the new reservoirs will begin in 2025. The Akmola and Kalguty reservoirs will be built in the Zhambyl region in southern Kazakhstan, while the Karaozek reservoir will be located in the Kyzylorda region in the southeast. The Bolshoi Uzen reservoir will be built in the West Kazakhstan region. "The Akmola, Kalguty, and Karaozek reservoirs will ensure water supply for 22,500 hectares of irrigated crops during the growing season, while the Bolshoi Uzen reservoir will help retain flood and meltwater, preventing flooding in two settlements with a combined population of 5,000," Nurzhigitov said. In addition to the new reservoirs, the government plans to reconstruct the Ters-Ashchybulak and Karakonyz reservoirs in the Zhambyl region, as well as the Koskorgan reservoir and the Koksarai counter-regulator in the Turkestan region in 2025. As part of an irrigation infrastructure modernization program, 115 canals covering a total of 3,452 kilometers will be upgraded across six regions: Almaty, Zhambyl, Zhetysu, West Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda, and Turkestan. Additionally, new structures will be built to replenish the Astana reservoir. "By the end of the year, 12 projects for the construction and reconstruction of group water pipelines will be completed, providing 153 villages, home to 423,000 people, with access to quality drinking water. At the same time, 52 settlements will be connected to a centralized water supply system," Nurzhigitov added. Flood Preparedness Concerns Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s ruling AMANAT party held a meeting of its Party Control Committee, which sharply criticized the country’s flood preparedness. According to party officials, 1,223 settlements across Kazakhstan are currently at risk of flooding. The country has 1,395 hydraulic structures designed to control water flow, but 564 of them require repairs, including 20 that are in critical condition. In the event of their failure, 536 settlements, home to more than 1.3 million people, could be at risk of severe flooding. The party emphasized that public concerns over flood preparedness remain high, with approximately 100 complaints submitted this year regarding the condition of dams, drainage channels, and other protective infrastructure. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kazakhstan began releasing water from reservoirs as early as January to maximize storage capacity ahead of the flood season.