Kyrgyzstan: Quality of People's Life Should Be a Priority
Kyrgyzstan dropped from the 71st position (in 2016) to 105th (in 2020) in the Global Environmental Performance Index. The main reasons are the level of air pollution, and the national energy and climate policy.
According to UNICEF, Kyrgyzstan is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in Central Asia. Zoya Kretova, the expert of the Youth Resilience to Climate Change project, notes that from 1976 to 2019, the air temperature in Kyrgyzstan was rising by 0.23 degrees every 10 years. The greatest temperature rise was observed in spring (by 0.45 degrees every 10 years), and the smallest – in autumn (by 0.14 degrees every 10 years) and summer (by 0.12 degrees every 10 years).
The alarming rates of temperature rise are registered at areas where most people live – the valleys of Chuy, Osh, and Jalal-Abad regions.
The alarming rates of temperature rise are registered at areas where most people live – the valleys of Chuy, Osh, and Jalal-Abad regions.
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"The global climate change affects the country already, and people only intensify all these consequences at the local level. However, in mountainous areas, for example, where the human impact on the environment is minimal, the rates of temperature rise are lower," says Kretova.
In Kyrgyzstan, the winters are getting shorter and warm periods last longer; this leads to a decrease in water resources. That is, the phase of precipitation changes, snow melts intensively from the end of winter to the beginning of spring, the hydrological cycle changes, and the flood period shifts to earlier dates. This affects the economy, primarily the agricultural sector.
In Kyrgyzstan, the winters are getting shorter and warm periods last longer; this leads to a decrease in water resources. That is, the phase of precipitation changes, snow melts intensively from the end of winter to the beginning of spring, the hydrological cycle changes, and the flood period shifts to earlier dates. This affects the economy, primarily the agricultural sector.
Zoya Kretova
"The summer becomes exhaustingly hot, and such temperatures affect absolutely all areas of human activity," the expert notes.
According to Kretova, the rise in temperature in early spring also makes the snow melt very quickly. It increases the number of landslides and avalanches on the mountain slopes already degraded by overgrazing and deforestation.
"Summing up, the air temperature is rising in Kyrgyzstan, and it causes many secondary and tertiary consequences," Kretova concludes.
According to Kretova, the rise in temperature in early spring also makes the snow melt very quickly. It increases the number of landslides and avalanches on the mountain slopes already degraded by overgrazing and deforestation.
"Summing up, the air temperature is rising in Kyrgyzstan, and it causes many secondary and tertiary consequences," Kretova concludes.
State Programs and International Agreements
Supporting the global community's initiatives, Kyrgyzstan has been a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2000. The country has designed and is implementing such strategic documents as the National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040, the Climate Investment Program, and the Green Economy Development Program. Each of these documents includes measures for countering climate change.
Since 2020, the responsibilities of the National Coordination Commission on Climate Change Problems (operating since 2012), include the development of the green economy. A Coordination Council on Green Economy and Climate Change was established.
In 2021, the State Committee on Ecology and Climate was established in Kyrgyzstan. It implements a unified state policy in the field of climate change.
In November 2019, Kyrgyzstan officially ratified the Paris Agreement of the UNFCCC and made a number of voluntary commitments.
A key aspect of the Agreement is the preparation of a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This is a special document describing the country's plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Even though Kyrgyzstan ratified the Paris Agreement only in 2019, the country's approaches and positions were outlined in the draft NDC prepared back in 2015. Under the terms of the Agreement, the NDCs are reviewed every five years, and in 2021, Kyrgyzstan began the process of strengthening and updating the document.
Since 2020, the responsibilities of the National Coordination Commission on Climate Change Problems (operating since 2012), include the development of the green economy. A Coordination Council on Green Economy and Climate Change was established.
In 2021, the State Committee on Ecology and Climate was established in Kyrgyzstan. It implements a unified state policy in the field of climate change.
In November 2019, Kyrgyzstan officially ratified the Paris Agreement of the UNFCCC and made a number of voluntary commitments.
A key aspect of the Agreement is the preparation of a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This is a special document describing the country's plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Even though Kyrgyzstan ratified the Paris Agreement only in 2019, the country's approaches and positions were outlined in the draft NDC prepared back in 2015. Under the terms of the Agreement, the NDCs are reviewed every five years, and in 2021, Kyrgyzstan began the process of strengthening and updating the document.
Vladimir Grebnev
In CABAR.asia interview, a leading expert in adaptation to climate change Vladimir Grebnev said that the draft of the updated NDC in Kyrgyzstan was approved with ministries and departments. It defines the country's intentions to adapt to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and finance these actions. The financing is considered in three aspects: the total amount is determined, the national capacity is assessed, and the need for international support is outlined.
The adaptation section of the NDC covers measures for the most vulnerable sectors:
This work was conducted so that Kyrgyzstan could present its proposals at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, which is helding from November 1 to 12 in Glasgow, UK.
- water resources,
- agriculture,
- energy,
- emergencies,
- healthcare,
- forest and biodiversity,
- climate resilient areas and green cities,
- improvement of the adaptation reporting system.
This work was conducted so that Kyrgyzstan could present its proposals at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, which is helding from November 1 to 12 in Glasgow, UK.
Authorities' Actions Are Not Enough
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During the NDC update period, experts assessed the implementation of previously developed plans for adaptation to climate change. According to Vladimir Grebnev, the results showed that the plans were implemented only by 50%.
In particular, the program of the 'Healthcare' sector was implemented by 59.5%, of the 'Forest and Biodiversity' sector – by only 25.8%, of the 'Emergencies' sector – by 87.76%, and the program on Agriculture and Water Resources – by 39.5%.
"This situation shows that it is not enough to just develop good NDC, strategies, and programs. We need a systematic joint activity of the state, experts, development partners, and other interested parties," the expert notes.
Climate change also affects the country's energy sector. Hydroelectric power plants generate 85% of electricity in Kyrgyzstan. According to an independent expert Edilbek Bogombaev, in recent years, the rivers' water level has decreased due to cyclical periods of low water, and in 2021, a drought covered up the whole of Kyrgyzstan. These factors affect the accumulation of water in the reservoir for the subsequent generation of electricity.
In particular, the program of the 'Healthcare' sector was implemented by 59.5%, of the 'Forest and Biodiversity' sector – by only 25.8%, of the 'Emergencies' sector – by 87.76%, and the program on Agriculture and Water Resources – by 39.5%.
"This situation shows that it is not enough to just develop good NDC, strategies, and programs. We need a systematic joint activity of the state, experts, development partners, and other interested parties," the expert notes.
Climate change also affects the country's energy sector. Hydroelectric power plants generate 85% of electricity in Kyrgyzstan. According to an independent expert Edilbek Bogombaev, in recent years, the rivers' water level has decreased due to cyclical periods of low water, and in 2021, a drought covered up the whole of Kyrgyzstan. These factors affect the accumulation of water in the reservoir for the subsequent generation of electricity.
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"There may not be enough water. If this happens, we will have to constantly buy electricity abroad," the expert notes.
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He believes one of the ways to solve the problem is to develop renewable energy sources.
"However, the development of this sector in Kyrgyzstan is only on paper. For the investors, the tariff policy is unattractive – there are bureaucratic barriers and no regulations for the activities in this sector," Bogombaev said.
He adds that the authorities need to finalise the tariff policy in the energy sector urgently, as well as to adopt all documents to support the development of renewable energy sources, taking into account the foreign investors' interests.
At the same time, the authorities of the cities of Kyrgyzstan are not able to phase out the use of coal in the energy sector yet. There are reasons for this, according to Edilbek Bogombaev. To meet all the residents' needs, for example, in Bishkek and Osh, an alternative source of energy is needed. However, there is no budget for its construction.
"Coal phase out is possible in the private sector. Then, the residents will have to shift to gas and use it for heating during winter, for boiling water, and cooking. Another option for them is to install energy-efficient stoves that reduce coal consumption by more than 30%. However, this depends on the financial situation of each family," Bogombaev noted.
"However, the development of this sector in Kyrgyzstan is only on paper. For the investors, the tariff policy is unattractive – there are bureaucratic barriers and no regulations for the activities in this sector," Bogombaev said.
He adds that the authorities need to finalise the tariff policy in the energy sector urgently, as well as to adopt all documents to support the development of renewable energy sources, taking into account the foreign investors' interests.
At the same time, the authorities of the cities of Kyrgyzstan are not able to phase out the use of coal in the energy sector yet. There are reasons for this, according to Edilbek Bogombaev. To meet all the residents' needs, for example, in Bishkek and Osh, an alternative source of energy is needed. However, there is no budget for its construction.
"Coal phase out is possible in the private sector. Then, the residents will have to shift to gas and use it for heating during winter, for boiling water, and cooking. Another option for them is to install energy-efficient stoves that reduce coal consumption by more than 30%. However, this depends on the financial situation of each family," Bogombaev noted.
Another problem for Kyrgyzstan is deforestation. In 2019, the Concept of Development of the Forest Sector until 2040 was adopted – the main strategic document that defines the priorities of forest policy. The document was developed to ensure the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and rational forest management.
However, the measures to counter deforestation did not result in forest condition improvement.
Senior Researcher at the Research and Production Center for Forest of the National Academy of Science of Kyrgyzstan Venera Surappaeva notes the tendency of forest aging in Kyrgyzstan. The reasons are cattle grazing, failure to comply with reforestation requirements, and drought. According to the expert, the absence or a very small number of new trees can lead to the forest area reduction.
"The forest plays the most important role in the fight against climate change. Therefore, the trees must be preserved. This can be achieved by reforestation and planting the trees that will take root in Kyrgyzstan. We will not save the forest on mere enthusiasm, therefore, the authorities should strengthen the implementation of the Concept of Development of the Forest Sector and pay more attention to forestry," Surappayeva said.
In early August 2021, the first electric vehicle production brand announced its launch in Kyrgyzstan. Now, there is a prototype of the vehicle, test drives are ongoing, linear production will begin on November 1. The company stated their electric vehicles do not emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which is a great environmental benefit.
In turn, the expert in adaptation to climate change Vladimir Grebnev points out an interesting dilemma in the implementation of this idea.
"Bishkek receives electricity from the thermal power plant. This suggests that we are burning coal to generate electricity. Then, we will have to charge our electric cars with this electricity. This poses the question about the efficiency of promoting electric vehicles in regions with almost no clean energy," he said in CABAR.asia interview.
At the same time, according to him, the development of electric vehicles is a good option for other regions of the country, for example, for the Naryn or Jalal-Abad regions, since hydropower is a source of electricity there.
However, the measures to counter deforestation did not result in forest condition improvement.
Senior Researcher at the Research and Production Center for Forest of the National Academy of Science of Kyrgyzstan Venera Surappaeva notes the tendency of forest aging in Kyrgyzstan. The reasons are cattle grazing, failure to comply with reforestation requirements, and drought. According to the expert, the absence or a very small number of new trees can lead to the forest area reduction.
"The forest plays the most important role in the fight against climate change. Therefore, the trees must be preserved. This can be achieved by reforestation and planting the trees that will take root in Kyrgyzstan. We will not save the forest on mere enthusiasm, therefore, the authorities should strengthen the implementation of the Concept of Development of the Forest Sector and pay more attention to forestry," Surappayeva said.
In early August 2021, the first electric vehicle production brand announced its launch in Kyrgyzstan. Now, there is a prototype of the vehicle, test drives are ongoing, linear production will begin on November 1. The company stated their electric vehicles do not emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which is a great environmental benefit.
In turn, the expert in adaptation to climate change Vladimir Grebnev points out an interesting dilemma in the implementation of this idea.
"Bishkek receives electricity from the thermal power plant. This suggests that we are burning coal to generate electricity. Then, we will have to charge our electric cars with this electricity. This poses the question about the efficiency of promoting electric vehicles in regions with almost no clean energy," he said in CABAR.asia interview.
At the same time, according to him, the development of electric vehicles is a good option for other regions of the country, for example, for the Naryn or Jalal-Abad regions, since hydropower is a source of electricity there.
Read also: Photoreport: How Did Bishkek Become "Ishkek"?
Civil Society's Stance
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Civil society urges the authorities to intensify their actions and show political will in the fight against climate change.
According to the Chairman of the Green Alliance of Kyrgyzstan Association Nurzat Abdyrasulova, the country has already faced such problems as drought, lack of water for irrigation, energy security risks, and growing poverty.
"Thus, climate change issues are directly connected to the main priorities of the state policy," she notes. "In addition, there is a significant gap between the experts who understand the complex terminology of climate change, and ordinary citizens who also want to know the results of international negotiations on climate change."
Abdyrasulova believes that now, the Cabinet of Ministers has to develop a National Policy on Climate Change. The quality of people's life, and the principles of sustainable consumption and production should be a priority; civil society is ready to support the measures to raise public awareness of the impacts of climate change.
According to the Chairman of the Green Alliance of Kyrgyzstan Association Nurzat Abdyrasulova, the country has already faced such problems as drought, lack of water for irrigation, energy security risks, and growing poverty.
"Thus, climate change issues are directly connected to the main priorities of the state policy," she notes. "In addition, there is a significant gap between the experts who understand the complex terminology of climate change, and ordinary citizens who also want to know the results of international negotiations on climate change."
Abdyrasulova believes that now, the Cabinet of Ministers has to develop a National Policy on Climate Change. The quality of people's life, and the principles of sustainable consumption and production should be a priority; civil society is ready to support the measures to raise public awareness of the impacts of climate change.
Author:
Aigerim Konurbaeva
Editors:
Natalia Lee
Marat Mamadshoev
Marat Mamadshoev
Layout and design
Tolgonai Akimova
This article was prepared as part of the Amplify, Verify, Engage: Information for Democratisation and Good Governance in Eurasia project implemented by IWPR and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and mentoring program of the Development of New Media and Digital Journalism in Central Asia project implemented by IWPR with the financial support of the UK Government. The content of the article does not reflect the official position of the IWPR, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Government of the United Kingdom.
