Air Quality - The Times Of Central Asia

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Air Quality

Asia’s Top Three Towns for Air Quality All in Kazakhstan, Finds New Study

A new study into global air quality by the independent website HouseFresh has found that Kazakhstan is home to some of the world’s cleanest towns. The report also notes that one Kazakh city is also among the most polluted. Using data from IQAir’s 2024 research, HouseFresh examined the average PM2.5 level – the number of small particles in the air – for over 8,800 towns with a population over 10,000. It found that the world’s most polluted town is Byrnihat in India, with a PM2.5 level of 128.2 particles per cubic meter (µg/m³). The cleanest air globally is in the Kazakh town of Shu. Shu, a rail freight hub in the country’s southeastern Zhambyl region, close to the border with Kyrgyzstan, had an average PM2 level of 1.5 µg/m³ in 2024. Kazakhstan is in fact home to the three cleanest towns in Asia, with the next places after Shu being Zhezkazgan in the central Ulytau region (2.3 µg/m³), and the southwestern town of Beyneu, outside Mangystau (3.4 µg/m³). Kazakhstan’s government has pledged that the country will become ‘climate neutral’ by 2060. It is aiming for its towns to follow the lead of cities such as New York and Beijing, which have more than halved their air pollution with measures such as cleaner public transport, modernized heating systems, and emissions regulation. However, Kazakhstan generally ranks highly in lists of the most polluted countries, due to its large-scale and outdated industrial infrastructure. Dust in the south of the country can also affect air quality. Due to this, the much larger central city of Karaganda, a center for Kazakhstan’s coal mining industry, remains one of the world’s most polluted cities. With average PM2.5 levels of 104.8 µg/m³ in 2024, the impact on the health of its half a million residents is equivalent to them smoking over 1,700 cigarettes per year.

Air Quality

South Korea to Support Air Quality Improvement in Kyrgyzstan

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has launched a major initiative to improve air quality in Kyrgyzstan, with a particular focus on the capital, Bishkek. On August 20, Bishkek hosted the signing ceremony for the Record of Discussions between KOICA and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, marking the official start of the Air Quality Improvement Project in the Kyrgyz Republic. The event was attended by Kim Kwang-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kyrgyz Republic; Meder Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision; and Lim So Yeon, KOICA Country Director in Kyrgyzstan. According to KOICA, the project will run through 2028 with a budget of $10 million. It aims to enhance Kyrgyzstan’s capacity to respond to climate change and improve urban air quality. Air pollution is a persistent challenge in Bishkek, home to over one million residents. The situation worsens during winter when widespread coal use for heating sharply increases harmful emissions. Bishkek frequently ranks among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities on IQAir’s global air quality index. Key components of the project include: Phased implementation of air pollution mitigation measures in Bishkek Development of a “Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan for 2028-2038” Pilot introduction of green heating systems (heat pumps) in public educational institutions The project plans to install heat pumps in approximately 30 schools and kindergartens in the Chui region, which includes Bishkek. This initiative is expected to benefit an estimated 2.3 million residents by creating a healthier and more comfortable environment. At the launch event, Ambassador Kim highlighted the urgency of the initiative: “The issue of air quality is of particular concern in Bishkek, and it is important to address it. We look forward to the successful implementation of the project and continued collaboration with the Ministry.” KOICA Country Director Lim added: “We hope these efforts will lead to tangible results in combating climate change and improving public health, serving as an important example of international cooperation.” Minister Mashiev expressed gratitude to KOICA, which has operated in Kyrgyzstan for over a decade: “We highly value our cooperation with the government of the Republic of Korea and intend to continue developing our relations.” South Korean involvement in environmental initiatives in Kyrgyzstan has expanded in recent months. Efforts include promoting eco-friendly transport and reducing emissions in major urban centers. The Public-Private Partnership Center under the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan, together with OJSC Chakan HPP and South Korea’s BLUE NETWORKS CO., LTD., a company specializing in EV charging infrastructure, has agreed to establish a local manufacturing facility and roll out a nationwide EV charging network. In June, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce also signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean firms EVSIS, NGS, and the Korea Automobile Environment Association to develop EV charging infrastructure in Bishkek.

Air Pollution

Almaty Grapples with Year-Round Nitrogen Dioxide Crisis, Study Warns

A new study has revealed persistently dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, with motor vehicles identified as the primary source. Conducted by the Almaty Air Initiative over 2023-2024, the research highlights aging vehicles, inadequate emissions oversight, and coal-based heating as key contributors to chronically high NO₂ levels throughout the year. With more than 600,000 vehicles on the roads daily, Almaty’s outdated and poorly regulated transport fleet is having a significant environmental impact. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, nearly one-third of the city’s vehicles are over 20 years old, many lacking catalytic converters that are standard in other countries. NO₂ Levels Far Exceed Global Health Standards Data from over 50 monitoring stations, installed as part of an Asian Development Bank-supported program, show that annual NO₂ concentrations in Almaty were 4.6 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits in 2023, and 4.2 times higher in 2024. Only 16 days in 2024 met the WHO’s daily NO₂ threshold of 25 µg/m³. On 143 days, concentrations exceeded 40 µg/m³, posing health risks to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues. On seven days, levels surpassed 100 µg/m³, considered extremely hazardous for the general population. Kazhydromet, Kazakhstan’s national weather agency, documented over 11,000 violations of the country’s maximum permissible concentration (MPC) for NO₂ in 2024, an average of nearly 30 per day. Pollution Persists Across All Seasons Unlike particulate matter (PM2.5), which typically spikes during the heating season, NO₂ pollution remains elevated year-round. Peak monthly averages reached nearly 100 µg/m³ in January 2023 and 80 µg/m³ in December 2024. Even in summer, concentrations hovered around 30-35 µg/m³, well above WHO guidelines. In 2024, Almaty recorded 164 “clean” days based on PM2.5 levels (below the WHO’s 15 µg/m³ threshold), but just 16 days met the corresponding standard for NO₂, underscoring the pollutant’s persistent presence and underrecognized health risks. Additional Contributors: Coal and Industry Beyond traffic emissions, NO₂ levels are exacerbated by emissions from two coal-fired thermal power plants, as well as numerous private heating systems and small-scale boiler houses. The study also criticized Kazakhstan’s vehicle inspection system, which it says fails to identify or enforce emissions violations. Study Urges Comprehensive Action To tackle the NO₂ crisis, researchers recommend a suite of policy measures, including: Transitioning public transport to gas and electric power Phasing out coal-based heating in favor of gas Installing emissions filters at thermal power plants and residential heating units Establishing low-emission zones across Almaty Encouraging walking and cycling for short trips Strengthening vehicle inspection and emissions monitoring systems With NO₂ now considered one of the most serious and persistent air quality threats in Central Asia, Almaty’s situation serves as a stark warning for other rapidly urbanizing cities in the region.

Air Quality

Kazakhstan’s Air Quality Stagnates Despite Emission Reforms

Over the past two decades, air pollution levels in Kazakhstan have remained persistently high, despite numerous reform pledges and reported reductions in specific emissions. This is the conclusion of a recent study by analysts at Ranking.kz. Half the Country at Risk According to 2025 data from the international service Numbeo, Kazakhstan ranked 30th out of 113 countries in urban air pollution, with an index of 73.2 out of 100. This marks only a modest improvement from a 2013 peak of 79.6. Neighboring Russia and Uzbekistan fared better, with scores of 59 and 54, respectively. Kazhydromet, Kazakhstan’s meteorological service, reported that in 2023, only 23 of the 70 surveyed cities and towns were considered relatively environmentally friendly. Of these, just four were regional centers; the rest were smaller towns and villages. The remaining 47 locations displayed elevated or critically high pollution levels. Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, and Ust-Kamenogorsk were cited as the most concerning. In these cities, pollution has either stagnated or worsened since 2005. Karaganda’s Air Pollution Index (API) rose from 13.9 in 2005 to 16 in 2023. Astana’s API nearly doubled, from 3.7 to 7. Although Almaty exited the “red” zone, it remains categorized as having elevated pollution. In November 2023, Ust-Kamenogorsk authorities moved schoolchildren to remote learning due to thick smog, the first such decision on environmental grounds. Senators Olga Bulavkina and Shakarim Buktugutov proposed declaring the city an ecological disaster zone, but the government dismissed the need for a special commission. The Emissions Paradox According to the National Statistics Office, total pollutant emissions, comprising solid, liquid, and gaseous substances, declined from 3 million tons in 2005 to 2.3 million tons in 2023, a 24% decrease. However, greenhouse gas emissions increased by over 45% during the same period, rising from 233.8 million tons to 340 million tons, according to the international database OurWorldinData. This surge contradicts Kazakhstan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, which it joined in 2016. The primary culprits remain unchanged: coal-fired thermal power plants. In 2023, stationary sources accounted for 2.2 million tons of the 2.3 million total emissions. The number of such sources has more than doubled since 2005, reaching 233,800. Between Optimism and Routine In a bid to reverse the trend, Kazakhstan has approved a national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The plan targets a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 324.4 million tons by 2030, with full carbon neutrality by mid-century. Measures include expanding renewable energy, constructing nuclear power plants, and integrating low-carbon technologies in industry. Despite these ambitions, emissions have yet to return even to 2005 levels. While some progress has been made, it is not enough to offset broader environmental deterioration. In the country’s largest cities, residents continue to breathe air laced with harmful pollutants, contributing to increased cancer rates and a declining quality of life. If Kazakhstan succeeds in implementing even part of its environmental roadmap, then perhaps within the next decade, smog alerts, pollution spikes, and remote learning due to air quality may become rare exceptions rather than...

Air Pollution

UN Human Rights Commissioner Raises Alarm Over Air Quality in Bishkek

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed concern over deteriorating air quality in Bishkek during his official visit to Kyrgyzstan. The visit, focused on civil rights, freedom of speech, and economic development, also addressed pressing environmental issues affecting the Kyrgyz capital. Speaking at a press conference, Türk emphasized that Kyrgyzstan ranks among the most polluted countries in the region, and that air quality in Bishkek poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. “Despite some progress and financial support from international organizations, much more needs to be done to protect the environment,” he said. Türk urged Kyrgyz authorities to intensify efforts to combat climate change and to increase investment in green initiatives. He underscored the importance of climate finance and the need for comprehensive, cooperative action. “This issue must be addressed in partnership and through a climate change lens,” he said. “While there have been financial injections from international donors, they have not yet translated into sufficient results. Each country bears responsibility. Green investments are essential, not just for Kyrgyzstan, but for all nations. The government must take stronger, more effective action.” According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report from IQAir, cities across Central Asia consistently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The report notes the following annual average concentrations (in micrograms per cubic meter): Dushanbe: 46.3 Tashkent: 31.4 Bishkek: 21.2 Osh: 20.5 Almaty: 20.3 Astana: 15.4 For context, the WHO’s recommended safe limit for PM2.5 is no more than 5 micrograms per cubic meter.