Kazakhstan's Approach to Climate Change and Environmental Protection in 2024
Kazakhstan's Approach to Climate Change and Environmental Protection in 2024
Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world and one of the top ten largest global emitters of greenhouse gases per capita, finds itself at the epicenter of Central Asia's environmental challenges. With its vast steppes, mountains, and deserts, Kazakhstan is particularly vulnerable to climate change. The nation faces threats such as desertification, water shortages, and biodiversity loss, all exacerbated by its dependence on fossil fuel extraction and heavy industry. However, recent years have seen a noticeable shift in Kazakhstan's approach to climate change and environmental protection. In 2024, Kazakhstan's strategies reflect a mix of policy reform, international cooperation, renewable energy development, and sustainable resource management.
Kazakhstan's Climate Vulnerability
Kazakhstan's geography makes it particularly susceptible to climate change. The country's vast steppes are prone to desertification, and water resources are increasingly under pressure due to changing weather patterns, glacial melt, and mismanagement. The Aral Sea disaster—a catastrophic decline in water levels caused by Soviet-era irrigation projects—remains a stark reminder of environmental mismanagement in the region. Additionally, Kazakhstan's agricultural sector, which is a significant part of the economy and a major source of employment, is vulnerable to fluctuating precipitation patterns and extreme weather events. Rising temperatures threaten the country's glaciers, which supply freshwater to the population and agriculture.
Kazakhstan's large dependence on fossil fuels also contributes significantly to its environmental footprint. The country is rich in natural resources such as oil, natural gas, and coal, which have historically driven its economic growth. This has, however, made Kazakhstan one of the world's highest per capita greenhouse gas emitters. The country's reliance on heavy industries such as mining, metallurgy, and oil refining worsens environmental degradation, while urban air quality in cities such as Almaty and Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) has become increasingly poor due to vehicles emissions and industrial pollution.
Policy Framework: A Shift Toward Sustainability
Recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis, Kazakhstan has taken significant steps toward reforming its environmental policies in recent years. In 2024, the country's approach is marked by a series of ambitious national plans, international commitments, and legislative changes aimed at addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Carbon Neutrality Goal
Kazakhstan has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, a target that aligns with global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. In its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Kazakhstan pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 15% from 1990 levels by 2030, with a more ambitious conditional target of 25%, dependent on international support and financing.
To meet these goals, Kazakhstan has embarked on a comprehensive energy transition. In 2024, a significant part of the national strategy focuses on reducing the country's dependence on coal, which still accounts for nearly 70% of its electricity generation. Replacing coal with cleaner energy sources, such as natural gas, solar, wind, and hydropower, is seen as a critical step in reducing emissions and improving air quality.
Environmental Code: Stricter Regulations and Green Economy Goals
In 2021, Kazakhstan introduced a new Environmental Code, which represents a major legislative overhaul aimed at improving environmental protection standards. By 2024, the code has been fully implemented, with stricter regulations on industrial emissions, water usage, and waste management. The code incorporates the principles of the "polluter pays" principle, encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce their environmental impact.
The Environmental Code also strengthens public access to environmental information, enhances monitoring systems, and increases penalties for non-compliance. For example, industries that exceed emission limits are now subject to higher fines, while those that fail to comply with waste management regulations can face severe financial penalties. The government has also introduced incentives for companies that invest in green technologies and reduce their carbon footprint.
As part of its broader environmental agenda, Kazakhstan has adopted a Green Economy Strategy, which aims to transition the country to a more sustainable economic model. This strategy includes measures to increase energy efficiency, promote the use of renewable energy, and improve water management. By 2024, the Green Economy Strategy has led to the implementation of several pilot projects in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and transport, demonstrating the potential for sustainable practices to drive economic growth.
Renewable Energy Development: The Backbone of Kazakhstan's Climate Strategy
Renewable energy development plays a pivotal role in Kazakhstan's approach to addressing climate change. The country's vast landmass and favorable conditions for solar and wind energy make it an attractive location for renewable energy projects. Recognizing this potential, Kazakhstan has set ambitious targets for expanding its renewable energy capacity.
By 2024, Kazakhstan has made significant progress in increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix. The government aims to generate 15% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, up from around 3% in 2020. To achieve this, Kazakhstan has introduced a series of policies and incentives to attract investment in the renewable energy sector, including feed-in tariffs, auctions for renewable energy projects, and tax exemptions for green energy producers.
Solar and Wind Energy
Solar energy is one of Kazakhstan's most promising renewable resources. The country receives an average of 2,200 to 3,000 hours of sunlight per year, making it well-suited for solar power generation. In 2024, several large-scale solar projects have come online, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity. These projects are concentrated in the southern regions, where solar radiation levels are highest. The Kazakh government has also partnered with international organizations and private investors to develop solar farms, further accelerating the country's solar energy growth.
Wind energy is another key component of Kazakhstan's renewable energy strategy. The country's vast steppes, particularly in the northern and western regions, experience strong and consistent winds, providing an ideal environment for wind farms. By 2024, Kazakhstan has expanded its wind energy capacity through a combination of public and private investments. The government has prioritized wind energy in its long-term energy planning, recognizing its potential to provide a stable and reliable source of clean energy.
Hydropower and Geothermal Energy
In addition to solar and wind, Kazakhstan is exploring the potential of hydropower and geothermal energy. Hydropower has historically played a significant role in the country's energy mix, particularly in the mountainous regions of the east and southeast. By 2024, Kazakhstan is investing in the modernization of its existing hydropower plants to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. The government is also exploring the potential for small-scale hydropower projects in remote areas, where access to electricity is limited.
Geothermal energy, while still in its early stages of development in Kazakhstan, holds promise as a potential source of renewable energy. The country's geothermal potential is concentrated in the southern regions, where geothermal reservoirs could be tapped for electricity generation and heating. By 2024, Kazakhstan has initiated pilot projects to assess the feasibility of geothermal energy development, with the aim of diversifying its renewable energy portfolio.
International Cooperation and Climate Diplomacy
Kazakhstan's approach to climate change is also shaped by its active participation in international climate diplomacy. The country is a member of several international organizations and agreements aimed at addressing climate change, including the Paris Agreement, the UNFCCC, and the Green Climate Fund. In 2024 , Kazakhstan continues to play a leadership role in regional and global efforts to combat climate change, positioning itself as a key player in Central Asia's environmental agenda.
Central Asia: A Regional Approach
Central Asia is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with water scarcity, desertification, and extreme weather events posing significant challenges to the region's stability and development. In 2024, Kazakhstan has taken a leading role in promoting regional cooperation on climate and environmental issues. The country is actively involved in initiatives such as the Central Asia Climate Change Framework, which aims to enhance cooperation between Central Asian states on issues such as water management, disaster risk reduction, and renewable energy development.
Kazakhstan is also working with neighboring countries to address transboundary environmental challenges, such as water management in the Syr Darya and Ili-Balkhash river basins. These rivers are shared by multiple countries in the region, and cooperation is essential to ensure the sustainable use of water resources. By 2024, Kazakhstan has signed several agreements with its neighbors to promote joint water management practices, reduce pollution, and improve climate resilience in shared ecosystems.
Engagement with International Organizations and Donors
Kazakhstan's efforts to address climate change are supported by international organizations and donor countries. The country has received financial and technical assistance from institutions such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Union, which have provided funding for renewable energy projects, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation initiatives.
In 2024, Kazakhstan continues to benefit from international partnerships aimed at building its capacity to address climate change. For example, the Green Climate Fund has provided financing for climate adaptation projects in vulnerable regions of Kazakhstan, while the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has supported to improve energy efficiency and promote efforts sustainable land management.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Kazakhstan has made significant progress in addressing climate change and environmental protection, challenges remain. The country's dependence on fossil fuels, particularly coal, continues to pose a significant barrier to achieving its climate goals. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy will require substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure, as well as the development of policies to support energy efficiency and reduce emissions from key sectors such as industry and transport.
Water scarcity is another critical issue that Kazakhstan must address in its climate strategy. Climate change is expected to worsen water shortages in the coming decades, particularly in the southern regions, where water resources are already under pressure. To address this challenge, Kazakhstan will need to improve its water management practices, invest in water-saving technologies, and promote regional cooperation on transboundary water issues.
Despite these challenges, Kazakhstan's approach to climate change and environmental protection in 2024 reflects a strong commitment to sustainability. The country's ambitious renewable energy targets, legislative reforms, and international partnerships provide a solid foundation for building a more resilient and sustainable future. As Kazakhstan continues to implement its climate and environmental policies, it has the potential to become a regional leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy, while addressing the environmental challenges that threaten its unique landscapes and ecosystems.