Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s 2019 CO₂ emissions, predominantly from fossil fuels, positioned it as a 21^st in terms of countries with the most severe air pollution index. The pollutants considered in determining the ambient air quality in Kazakhstan include PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), which have a WHO standard 24-hour averaging concentration of 35 µg/m³, 60 µg/m³, 40 µg/m³, 50 µg/m³, and 3000 mg/m³ respectively. This has had important health consequences, with 13,000 deaths recorded in 2021 due to fine particulate matter, equivalent to 89 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Major causes of premature mortality from air pollution include stroke (15%), type 2 diabetes (15%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14%).

Windblown dust is the largest contributor to air pollution, making up over 40% of pollutants by sector, highlighting the significant role of natural sources in air quality. Human activities, such as energy production, industrial processes, transport, and residential emissions, also contribute notably, with energy and industry combined accounting for about 20%. Other sources like agricultural burning, landscape fires, waste, and shipping contribute smaller but important portions. 

Monthly mean PM2.5 concentrations in Astana across multiple years show a distinct seasonal trend. PM2.5 Levels peak during winter months (December to February), often exceeding 50 µg/m³, and significantly decrease during the summer months (June to August), dropping below 10 µg/m³.  

Annual PM2.5 concentrations in Astana remain high across the years, often surpassing international guidelines for healthy air. Levels typically range from 20 to 28 µg/m³, and only occasionally dip below 20. Shymkent consistently registers the highest yearly PM2.5 concentrations among major Kazakhstani cities, with values often ranging from 25 to 30 µg/m³. This level regularly far exceeds the WHO standard, indicating enduring health risks tied to poor air quality. Almaty, on the other hand, tends to have lower annual PM2.5, typically between 12 and 17 µg/m³, but this is still above the recommended safe threshold.

Kazakhstan has launched several initiatives to combat air pollution, including roadmaps with over 480 targeted measures for cities with the heaviest pollution, aiming to reduce air pollution levels from high to medium by 2025. These measures encompass modernizing sewage and landfill infrastructure, adopting advanced industrial technologies, and carrying out public awareness campaigns to engage communities and improve air quality monitoring networks. Additionally, from January 2025, large polluting facilities are required to obtain Integrated Environmental Permits, which mandate the use of the best available techniques and comprehensive pollution prevention strategies. The country is also committed to a long-term carbon neutrality plan as part of its broader environmental policy ambitions.