The World Bank has released its first regional-level assessment of air quality management (AQM) in Central Asia, titled "Air Quality Management in Central Asia." The report outlines key priorities and proposes solutions to improve air quality through local initiatives and regional collaboration.
Central Asia faces significant air quality challenges, with pollution from fossil fuel combustion for heating and transport affecting both urban and rural areas. Additionally, transboundary pollution from sand and dust storms exacerbates the situation. In major cities, PM2.5 concentrations often exceed the WHO Ambient Air Quality Guidelines by 6 to 12 times during winter months, posing serious public health risks.
To tackle these issues, the World Bank is supporting governments across Central Asia with analytical work and projects funded by Bunk to enhance AQM as part of broader development goals aimed at greening and decarbonizing their economies.
The report draws on a series of analytical papers covering Kazakhstan, including detailed analyses of Almaty and Astana; the Kyrgyz Republic with a focus on Bishkek; Tajikistan; and Uzbekistan, including an assessment of Tashkent.
Key findings from the report highlight that over 65,000 premature deaths in Central Asia were attributed to ambient PM2.5 air pollution in 2021. Health costs related to this pollution are estimated at $15 to $21 billion annually, equivalent to 3–5% of the region's GDP in 2022. Solid fuel combustion for residential and commercial heating is identified as the primary source of PM2.5 concentrations in all Central Asian cities.
The report emphasizes that understanding sources contributing to PM2.5 exposure and implementing measures can save lives while generating economic benefits such as increased productivity, improved cognitive development in children, greater government revenues for green innovation, higher agricultural yields through reduced crop damage, and enhanced urban livability.
In many Central Asian cities, soil and desert dust contribute significantly to PM2.5 concentrations—20–50% of total exposure annually—while anthropogenic emissions account for 50–80%. Targeted policy interventions can address these sources effectively.
Achieving WHO interim targets for air pollution reduction is possible by prioritizing emissions reductions from residential heating, road transport, industry, and expanding urban greening efforts.
A new governance model—the airshed approach—is proposed for AQM requiring cooperation between jurisdictions with clear responsibility distribution across government levels. Strengthening institutional frameworks for AQM; updating standards; expanding monitoring capabilities; increasing stakeholder engagement; supporting regional cooperation are shared priorities among Central Asian countries.
Strategic financing combining policy alignment with innovative financial instruments involving private sector engagement is deemed essential. Integrating AQM investments with climate action could unlock broader funding opportunities.
This report was prepared with financial support from Climate Support Facility and PROGREEN.