International Leader Tokayev Advocates for Collaborative Regional Efforts at Samarkand Climate Conference
An updated take:
Climate Crisis Call to Action in Central Asia:
In the scorching heart of Central Asia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sounded the alarm at the Samarkand Climate Conference, underscoring the urgent need for unified action among Central Asian nations in the face of quickening climate chaos. As Akorda reported, this region is on the front lines, with temperatures soaring twice as fast as the global norm.
The dire consequences of climate change loom large here. Extreme weather events such as glacier melt, desertification, and water shortages plague the region, to name a few.
Without mincing words, Tokayev laid out Kazakhstan's battle plan, with a forest conservation program, an ambitious tree-planting initiative, the Taza Kazakhstan environmental awareness campaign, and joint greening projects with Uzbekistan at the Aral Sea's bottom, among other initiatives.
The President's priority is clear: contributing to global initiatives to support vulnerable nations while spearheading the green shift as a strategic priority. Kazakhstan is investing in the world's largest green hydrogen project and major wind and solar energy ventures alongside global titans.
An exciting step forward is the proposed construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, set to reduce emissions and bolster energy security. Given that Kazakhstan produces almost 40% of the world's uranium, this shift is crucial, as nuclear power produces almost 10% of the world's electricity.
Looking beyond energy, Tokayev sees vast potential for carbon farming and ecosystem restoration in Kazakhstan's steppes, adding to the country's might in rare earth and vital raw materials critical for clean technology production.
On the water security front, Tokayev warned of the declining per capita water availability in Central Asia—a worrying 30% decrease in the last two decades. With 70% of water resources transboundary, the President called for international backing in improving water-saving technologies, smart irrigation, and hydrological monitoring. He also supported the idea of forming a Central Asian Water and Energy Partnership.
Concerning biodiversity, Tokayev announced the establishment of an International Biodiversity Fund under the President of Kazakhstan to preserve endangered species.
This heads-up to central Asia's neighbors signals a strategic direction for the region: fortify our defenses against the formidable climate threat while driving decarbonization efforts, advancing sustainable infrastructures, and taking a collaborative stance towards global environmental challenges.
Behind the Scenes:Kazakhstan's green push cuts across various sectors, with renewable energy aims, nuclear power initiatives (though these weren't highlighted in recent literature), carbon farming involvement, water conservation efforts, and biodiversity protection projects.
In the race for renewable energy, Kazakhstan is targeting a 15% share of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, as part of its "Green Economy Concept." The country is devising a comprehensive strategy, with the National Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060 at its core.
The country's dedication to water security is well-reflected in its involvement in the One Water Vision coalition for integrated water resource management. Kazakhstan has also joined initiatives like the Climate-Resilient Water Resources Development Project with the Islamic Development Bank, as well as modernizing water infrastructure and digitalizing water resources management to address water challenges effectively.
While Kazakhstan has ambitious plans to combat climate change, achieving carbon neutrality requires significant investment, especially in carbon farming initiatives. Foreign investment and technologies are essential to making these goals a reality.
- The scorching heat in Central Asia, with temperatures increasingly surging at twice the global average, has become a grave concern, particularly for Kazakhstan, as emphasized at the Samarkand Climate Conference.
- To combat these effects of climate-change, Kazakhstan has outlined a comprehensive battle plan that includes tree-planting initiatives, environmental awareness campaigns such as Taza Kazakhstan, and joint greening projects with neighboring Uzbekistan.
- In the realm of science and climate-change, Kazakhstan's initiatives are multifaceted, extending beyond energy to carbon farming and ecosystem restoration, making it a key player in the production of raw materials for clean technology.
- Recognizing the declining water availability in Central Asia, the President of Kazakhstan has advocated for improvements in water-saving technologies, smart irrigation, and hydrological monitoring, and proposed the formation of a Central Asian Water and Energy Partnership.
- In the realm of environmental-science, politics, and general-news, Kazakhstan's strategies to fortify its defenses against climate-change, drive decarbonization, and address water security are being closely watched and analyzed, illustrating the strategic role it plays in Central Asia.
