Central Asian capitals rank among world’s most polluted, posing severe health and economic risks

Central Asia’s major cities are facing a severe air pollution crisis, with capitals repeatedly ranking among the world’s most polluted in recent monitoring. Experts link the deteriorating air quality to rapid economic growth, a surge in aging imported vehicles, weak environmental regulations, and geographical conditions that trap pollutants over urban areas.

A Growing Health Emergency

Air pollution in cities like Bishkek, Almaty, and Tashkent has been described as a form of “slow killing” by environmental experts. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in these cities exceed World Health Organization guidelines by 6 to 12 times, contributing to an estimated 65,000 premature deaths annually across the region. Children and the elderly in central urban districts are especially vulnerable, with doctors reporting widespread respiratory and allergic conditions among youth.

Root Causes: Cars, Coal, and Geography

The problem has intensified over the past decade alongside rising car ownership and urban construction that blocks natural airflow. In winter, coal heating significantly adds to pollution, but experts note that traffic emissions remain a major—and often underestimated—contributor year-round. Geographic barriers, such as valleys and basins, combined with frequent temperature inversions during anticyclones, create “pollution domes” that trap smog close to the ground.

Economic Toll and Inadequate Responses

The economic impact is substantial: health-related costs of air pollution are estimated at $15–22 billion annually, equivalent to 3–5% of the region’s GDP. While some measures have been introduced—such as Almaty’s low-emission zone and Dushanbe’s shift to electric taxis—air quality monitoring and preventive policies remain underdeveloped. Only Kazakhstan currently has a system to forecast high-pollution episodes, but even there, warnings seldom lead to operational changes in industry or transport.

Call for Comprehensive Action

Experts stress that isolated initiatives are insufficient. A coordinated approach is needed—transitioning power plants to cleaner fuels, modernizing vehicle fleets, enforcing urban planning standards, and expanding reliable air quality monitoring. “To improve life expectancy and the overall health of the population, urgent measures must be taken,” said Azamat Kuazov of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia.