Top Cities Labeled as Most Polluted
**Lo and behold, a gargantuan tonnage of 2.5 million pollutants}$^{1}$ has been dumped into Kazakhstan's atmosphere, according to our table-turning Minister of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources, Magzum Mirzagaliyev $^{2}$. No kidding! Here's the lowdown on the 10 cities that are liking their air dirty enough to make a Beijing smog-lover blush $^{3}$.
Without further ado, the 10 polluted cities are: Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Karaganda, Temirtau, Atyrau, Aktobe, Balkhash, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Zhezkazgan, and Shymkent.
What's the deal? Well, Magzum tells us that it's all about those outdated wastewater treatment facilities, or KOS, causing surface water pollution $^{4}$. The total volume of discharges in the country in 2020 amounted to a massive 1.1 million tons.
Now, here's the kicker: Kazakhstan isn't just standing still, watching the world burn. They've gone on the offensive against environmental pollution in several ways. For instance, they've passed a new Water Code, aiming to enhance water security and management, and they've joined the One Water Vision coalition for better water resource management $^{5}$.
In the air pollution battle, they're transitioning their energy sector to reduce reliance on coal and decarbonize, focusing on renewable energy and natural gas. They're also looking to modernize equipment and implement just transition policies $^{6}$.
In short, while the specifics of the situation in the 10 polluted cities need more local data, it's clear that Kazakhstan is taking active steps to clean up its act. Let's hope those steps paying off soon!
$^{1}$ Enrichment Data: The total volume of emissions of pollutants is actually measured in tons, and in this case, it's 2.5 million tons.$^{2}$ Enrichment Data: Magzum Mirzagaliyev is the head of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources.$^{3}$ Enrichment Data: Some international cities, such as Beijing, have faced significant air pollution issues in the past. Some may consider the air quality in these 10 Kazakhstani cities to be comparable.$^{4}$ Enrichment Data: Outdated wastewater treatment facilities, or KOS, are a major cause of surface water pollution in Kazakhstan.$^{5}$ Enrichment Data: Kazakhstan has enacted a new Water Code and joined the One Water Vision coalition to address water pollution issues. These initiatives focus on technological innovation, stricter regulations, and integrated water resource management.$^{6}$ Enrichment Data: Kazakhstan aims to reduce emissions and modernize equipment through proposals and just transition policies. These efforts are part of the country's larger plan to transition its energy sector to cleaner sources.
- Minister of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources Magzum Mirzagaliyev revealed that a massive 2.5 million tons of pollutants have been discharged into Kazakhstan's atmosphere.
- The lack of proper wastewater treatment facilities, known as KOS, is a significant contributor to surface water pollution in Kazakhstan.
- In a bid to address environmental pollution, Kazakhstan has passed a new Water Code, aiming to bolster water security and management, and joined the One Water Vision coalition for improved water resource management.
- Kazakhstan is transitioning its energy sector to decrease coal reliance, focusing on renewable energy and natural gas, and is also modernizing equipment and implementing just transition policies.
- While the specifics in the 10 polluted Kazakhstani cities require more local data, it's evident that Kazakhstan is proactively working towards cleaning up its environmental issues.
