See how climate change is shaping the environment and communities across Central Asian countries, and discover how they are adapting to these challenges. Dive into sector-specific impacts and vulnerabilities, review the findings from the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for all five countries, and explore practical adaptation strategies.
Click on the interactive map below to learn more.
The Republic of Kazakhstan lies in north-central Eurasia, spanning a land area comparable to Western Europe yet with one of the lowest population densities in the world. Its landscape stretches across four distinct climate zones—forest-steppe, steppe, semi-desert, and desert—making it one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the region.
Kazakhstan’s economy is heavily driven by raw resources, with hydrocarbon production growing by 225% since 1985. By 2005, oil production reached 61.9 million tons and natural gas output 25.2 billion cubic meters. While this resource-driven growth has fueled rapid GDP expansion, it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental challenges are pressing: nearly three-quarters of Kazakhstan’s territory faces high risks of ecological destabilization, and climate change is expected to further intensify adverse impacts across much of the country.
The Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked nation in north-eastern Central Asia, nestled between the Tien Shan and Pamir mountain systems. More than 80% of its territory lies within the Tien Shan range, with 4% permanently covered by ice and snow. Most of the population lives in mountain foothills, where communities are especially exposed to climate hazards.
Poverty remains widespread, with 43% of citizens living below the poverty line and half of the population residing in rural areas. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy—accounting for one-third of GDP and employing 65% of the workforce. In total, over half of the country’s GDP depends on climate- and weather-sensitive activities.
The Kyrgyz Republic is also highly prone to natural disasters, experiencing 3,000–5,000 earthquakes annually and major catastrophic events every 5–10 years. On average, disaster-related damage and losses amount to US $30–35 million each year.
The Republic of Tajikistan is a landlocked, mountainous country in Central Asia, with over 90% of its territory dominated by high mountains ranging from 984 to 24,589 feet. Nearly half of the country lies above 10,000 feet, with the Trans-Alay Range in the north and the Pamirs in the southeast. Tajikistan is home to approximately 1,300 lakes, and the region’s major rivers—the Amu Darya and Syr Darya—both flow through its territory. Glaciers cover around 6% of the country, playing a crucial role in water storage and climate regulation.
The country’s glaciers and permafrost are vital for replenishing rivers that feed the Aral Sea basin, supporting both local communities and downstream ecosystems. Agriculture engages about 70% of the population and contributes roughly 25% of GDP. Tajikistan also possesses significant natural resources, including water, coal, oil, gas, and minerals such as gold, silver, mercury, and marble. Hydropower dominates energy production, providing approximately 95% of the nation’s electricity.
Turkmenistan is an arid country in Central Asia, with over 80% of its territory covered by deserts and oases. The Kara Kum, or Black Sand Desert, alone spans nearly three-quarters of the country, while mountainous regions are mainly found along the southern borders.
The country is highly vulnerable to climate change, facing significant challenges in agriculture, water management, public health, and natural ecosystems. Turkmenistan has taken steps toward climate action, ratifying the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1995 and the Kyoto Protocol in 1998. A State Commission has also been established to oversee the implementation of the country’s international environmental commitments.
Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, covering 425,400 km² and sharing borders with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Its terrain is mostly flat to rolling desert, with desert forests covering nearly 78% of the country and mountains and foothills in the east and northeast.
Climate change poses a variety of risks, affecting agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems. Uzbekistan has a population of approximately 37.86 million (2025), growing at 1.7% per year. Its economy, with a GDP of $67.2 billion in 2016, is led by services (49.5%), followed by industry—including mining, construction, and utilities—at 32.9%, and agriculture at 17.6%. GDP growth has been strong, reaching 7.8% in 2016 and peaking at 9.0% in 2008.