Bishkek, 26 March 2025 – Climate change is hitting the Kyrgyz Republic hard. A new report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that the country’s temperatures are rising twice as fast as the global average, leading to more water shortages and natural disasters.
From 1960 to 2023, the average annual temperature in Kyrgyzstan jumped by 1.2°C, while the global average increased by only 0.6°C. This trend is likely to continue, causing serious stress on water resources. As temperatures rise, river flows are expected to drop, but the demand for water will only increase.
Arnold Kreilhuber, UNEP’s Director for Europe, said, “The Kyrgyz Republic is at the frontline of climate change impacts.” He emphasized the importance of using the data in this Atlas to help the country adapt and manage its environment sustainably.
Water is a critical resource here, but climate change poses serious risks. Currently, 93% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity comes from hydropower. However, as rainfall decreases and glaciers melt, reservoirs might hold less water in the coming decades. For instance, the Toktogul reservoir, a significant power source, might see water inflow drop by nearly 19% by 2050. Less water means less electricity.
Natural disasters are becoming more common, too. Each year, around 200 emergencies are reported, with a staggering 90% stemming from natural events like floods, earthquakes, and landslides. In 2022, these disasters tragically claimed 150 lives and caused average economic losses of $27 million annually from 2012 to 2018.
On a brighter note, Kyrgyzstan is making strides in environmental conservation. Between 2000 and 2023, forest cover increased from 6.2% to 6.9% due to afforestation efforts. Protected areas have also expanded, growing from 0.5 million hectares to 1.5 million hectares. The goal is to protect 10% of the country by 2040, safeguarding many species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
All forests in Kyrgyzstan are protected from large-scale logging, and the Khan Teniri Nature Park now provides a larger sanctuary for snow leopards.
The Atlas of Environmental Change, based on decades of research, will be available to the public. It organizes vital information on both land and water ecosystems and supports progress on various environmental goals like SDG6 (Clean Water) and SDG15 (Life on Land).
This project marks a collaboration between multiple ministries in Kyrgyzstan and institutions such as Lomonosov Moscow State University, with support from the Russian government. Similar initiatives for neighboring Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are set to be released soon.
For more details, you can download a copy of the Atlas of Environmental Change for the Kyrgyz Republic here.
Check out this related article: South Africa’s G20 Presidency: Advocating for Bold Global Climate Action, Says Minister
Source linkEurope,Environment under review,Land,Climate Action,Nature Action,Mountains and Glaciers
