Uzbekistan’s Initiatives to Combat Climate Change and Ensure Environmental Stability

Today, the most pressing global issue is undoubtedly the environmental crisis. Virtually all countries are facing the negative consequences of climate change, water scarcity, and air pollution. Unfortunately, ecological degradation poses a significant threat to human life and health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), between 4.2 and 7 million people die each year worldwide due to air pollution. Additionally, 2.7 billion people around the world experience water shortages for at least one month each year.

Therefore, more than ever, countries are not only striving but are compelled to take practical measures to ensure environmental security. Realising that no single nation can tackle such global challenges alone, countries are taking steps to enhance international cooperation.

The Republic of Uzbekistan actively promotes the idea of improving the effectiveness of international cooperation on environmental issues. A clear example of this is the address delivered by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Head of State placed particular emphasis on the issue of climate change — a negative consequence of human impact on nature. According to open sources, the year 2024 was recorded as the hottest year in human history. As a result, the concentration of greenhouse gases has increased, trapping solar heat and leading to global warming. In this regard, countries must coordinate their efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions (Uzbekistan adopted a special Law on this matter in July of this year). In particular, Uzbekistan’s initiative is aimed at implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement, which commits countries to gradually reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions.

When discussing climate change, the issue of climate migration was also highlighted. In this context, Uzbekistan proposed the establishment of a concrete international mechanism and a legal framework to address the problem. This issue, in our view, should be regulated at the level of an international act adopted under the auspices of the United Nations, since it is linked not only to environmental but also to socio-economic challenges. Indeed, the influx of “climate migrants” could trigger other problems related to employment, social protection, and adaptation. Therefore, countries must address the root causes of climate migration by taking effective measures to mitigate environmental impacts and create favourable living conditions. These mechanisms should be enshrined in the proposed international instrument.

Traditionally, the President of Uzbekistan also raised the issue of the negative consequences of the Aral Sea desiccation — a topic he has repeatedly emphasised at the UN General Assembly (during the 72nd, 75th, 76th, and 78th sessions). Thanks to Uzbekistan’s efforts, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution on declaring the Aral Sea region a Zone of Environmental Innovations and Technologies. An Action Plan and Program of Measures for sustainable socio-economic development, employment generation, and improvement of living standards are being implemented. Uzbekistan continues active work to restore the Aral Sea ecosystem. Over the past few years, tree planting has been carried out on 2 million hectares of the former seabed. In just the first half of this year, 701 hectares of forest plantations and 41 hectares of terraces were created. It is expected that by 2030, up to 80% of the entire area will be covered with green vegetation. International attention to this issue is crucial, as the drying of the Aral Sea causes around 150 million tons of salt to be released into the atmosphere annually — a phenomenon that, according to experts, affects not only the region but even reaches as far as Antarctica.

Another major issue highlighted by the President is the shortage of water resources. Currently, over two billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. For Uzbekistan, solving the problem of water scarcity is literally a matter of life and death. In this regard, it was proposed to hold a World Water Conservation Forum in Uzbekistan. Within the framework of this forum, the water crisis would be recognized as a serious threat to sustainable development, and a global “roadmap” for implementing innovative water-saving technologies would be adopted. This initiative is important, as addressing water scarcity—especially in the context of transboundary water use—requires joint international action. A unified approach through international cooperation can help mitigate the effects of water shortages in the future.

A systemic proposal put forward by the President of Uzbekistan is the adoption of a Global Pact on Broad International Partnership. This Pact represents a logical step in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It would enable countries to address environmental problems through agreements, knowledge sharing, and defined mechanisms for financing and monitoring. Moreover, the Pact would establish the principle that the environment is a “global public good.”

In fact, international agreements have already proven their effectiveness in practice. For example, the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer demonstrated that a coordinated global response can restore natural processes. Studies show that due to the reduction in harmful emissions, global radiation impact decreased five years earlier than predicted.

The above-mentioned proposals are significant for strengthening international cooperation to ensure environmental safety and well-being, both globally and for Uzbekistan. This is especially relevant as 2025 has been declared the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy” in Uzbekistan, accompanied by the adoption of a corresponding state program. The implementation of this program’s goals, together with Uzbekistan’s international initiatives, will help ensure environmental stability and a sustainable future.

Abdulaziz Rasulov
Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Doctor of Law, Professor