We Cannot Remain Indifferent to Nature – We Have No Right to Do So

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Central Asia is renowned for its unique natural features, rich culture, and history. However, in recent years, the region has been experiencing significant climate changes. Rising air temperatures, water shortages, desertification, and an increase in natural disasters are being observed across the region.

It was no coincidence that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev drew attention to this problem in his speech at the Second “Central Asia – China” Summit.

One of the major challenges to the sustainable development of our countries is the impact of climate change. Introducing China’s advanced experience in environmental protection can help reduce the risks and threats associated with this crisis. It is essential to accelerate the adoption of the Green Development Program through 2030 and begin its implementation.

The Head of State proposed establishing an Environmental Alliance to foster dialogue and partnership in combating desertification, restoring degraded land, and enhancing bioecological resilience in arid and desert areas. The green development strategy put forward by the President of Uzbekistan plays a crucial role in ensuring the country's sustainable future.

What is the secret behind China’s success in “green” development?

In recent years, China has achieved significant results in this area. The government elevated green development to the level of national policy by setting clear goals and objectives. China is actively investing in green technologies, renewable energy sources, and environmental protection. Encouraging innovation by supporting scientific research and development in green technologies has also proven effective. Official Beijing has improved the legislative framework on environmental protection and tightened liability for violations of ecological regulations. Notably, China is also actively cooperating with other countries and international organisations in green development.

Such an alliance would promote the unification of regional efforts in addressing environmental issues, sharing best practices, and implementing joint projects.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published its long-term forecast “Climate Outlook for 2025–2029.” According to the report, warming in Asia is occurring nearly twice as fast as the global average. Central Asian countries must urgently adapt to droughts, glacial melting, and unstable precipitation; otherwise, the risks to water resources, agriculture, and energy will increase.

The WMO warns that each year in the 2025–2029 period could be warmer than the 1991–2020 climate norm. Some years may temporarily exceed +1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Of particular concern is the rapid melting of mountain glaciers in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which supply water to the region’s main rivers – the Syr Darya and Amu Darya. This rapid melting signals an impending water shortage.

Over the past decade, Tajikistan has lost 40% of the volume of the region’s largest glacier, Fedchenko, and Kyrgyzstan has lost 30% of its glaciers. This poses a serious challenge for these countries, whose economies depend on hydropower.

Last year was declared the hottest year on record – global surface temperatures were +1.55°C above the average. According to the UN, water scarcity is becoming a major obstacle to economic development in Central Asia.

In March this year, the region experienced abnormal heat. According to studies by World Weather Attribution, which examines climate change and extreme weather events, March temperatures were 10°C higher than the pre-industrial average. Rising temperatures threaten agriculture and water supply, which are already negatively affected by climate change.

Moreover, the drying of the Aral Sea, glacier melt, water scarcity, desertification, soil salinization, and extreme weather pose serious threats to the region's sustainable development. These problems are negatively impacting the economy and environment and require immediate action. Climate change exacerbates water shortages, especially in arid areas like Central Asia.

Climate change leads to droughts, floods, mudflows, and strong winds, which harm the economy and endanger public health and safety. Environmental problems result in biodiversity loss, the decline of flora and fauna, forest degradation, and ecological imbalance.

Central Asian countries must take a series of measures to mitigate the consequences of climate change and ensure sustainable development. It is essential to use water resources efficiently, introduce water-saving technologies, modernize irrigation systems, and implement innovative water management methods. Regional cooperation in the management of transboundary water resources must also be strengthened.

To combat desertification, it is necessary to plant trees, protect soil from erosion, expand forested areas, and apply sustainable land-use methods. Enhancing energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy sources can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In agriculture, climate-resilient practices should be adopted: growing drought-tolerant crops, protecting soil from erosion, promoting organic farming, and developing effective systems for processing and marketing agricultural products.

Raising public awareness about the consequences of climate change, how to respond to extreme weather events, and how to prepare and protect oneself is also vital.

Population growth, increasing food consumption, the expansion of agriculture, climate warming, and economic development are all contributing to the reduction of water resources.

Today, water shortages affect more than 400 regions around the world. According to the World Resources Institute, water scarcity could lead to forced migration, conflicts, and political instability.

Agriculture is the largest consumer of water globally, followed by industry. Regions such as the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Botswana, and Eritrea face significant water shortages, as do Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Even countries like Italy and Spain are dealing with water stress in Europe. Between 1961 and 2020, global water consumption increased 2.5 times.

In June of this year, an international scientific-practical conference was held in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems, titled “Scientific Approaches to Solving Global Environmental and Water Problems of Central Asia.” More than 300 participants took part, including university and research institute representatives, and delegates from over 20 countries. The measures being taken under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to address climate and water issues were highly praised by the participants.

The causes of climate change and water scarcity are numerous: the use of coal, oil, and gas releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; deforestation, improper land use, inefficient water use, and excessive use of chemical fertilisers all lead to soil degradation.

We cannot remain indifferent to nature – we have no right to do so. It is crucial to support the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan and unite under his leadership. Energy-saving technologies should be implemented in industrial enterprises, public utilities, and transportation. Irrigation systems must be modernised, water-saving technologies used wisely, and innovative water and land management methods adopted. Combating desertification, planting trees, restoring degraded lands, and expanding forests, as well as transitioning to clean public transportation, is essential.

Widespread adoption of China’s best practices, swift implementation of the Green Development Program through 2030, and the formation of a regional Environmental Alliance are critical steps to ensure the stable development of Uzbekistan and the region as a whole. These measures will contribute to economic growth, improved living standards, and environmental protection.

Shavkat Khamrayev
Minister of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan