ArmInfo.Once a fossil fuel-dependent country, Kazakhstan’s trajectory offers a blueprint for the world. .
Аs the world turns its attention to the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, a pivotal narrative unfolds in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, where the fight against climate change is not only a policy agenda but also a lived reality.
Central Asia, often overlooked in global discussions, is now emerging as a key player in the climate arena. In this region, temperature increases are double the global average. This stark reality means more than just hotter summers; it spells drastic changes in the structure of precipitation, affecting water availability and agricultural viability, and poses the risk of displacing millions of people.
In response, Kazakhstan is determined to take action and contribute to global climate efforts. Our pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 is a roadmap to a sustainable future. With our updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, we have committed to reducing carbon emissions by 15 percent unconditionally by 2030. Additionally, we have set a conditional target of a 25 percent reduction, contingent on climate investments and technology transfer. These commitments are integral to our transformative journey towards a greener Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s environmental initiatives have implications that reach well beyond our borders. The success of global climate action hinges on each country’s contribution. Historically, Kazakhstan’s economy has heavily relied on fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal. Yet, our strategies and actions aimed at promoting a low-carbon, green transition provide valuable insights into how to balance sustainable practices with economic growth. These strategies are particularly vital for a nation traditionally dependent on extractive industries, offering a blueprint for other nations. By investing in renewable energy, decarbonization strategies, and sustainable practices, we want to demonstrate that the transition to a green economy is both feasible and beneficial, even for nations whose economies are deeply rooted in oil and gas.
Kazakhstan’s national Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a critical element in reducing carbon emissions. Established in 2013, this system currently encompasses 43 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions and is slated for further development. Efforts are ongoing to improve measurement, reporting, verification, and benchmark methodologies. Additionally, we are exploring the expansion of this system to include new sectors, installations, and gases currently outside the ETS’s scope. In line with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, work has begun to align our national ETS with the EU ETS.
Equally critical is the transition in the energy sector. Coal significantly contributes to emissions in the national energy sector. Echoing Kazakh President Tokayev, a gradual, sustainable, and socially responsible shift away from coal usage could substantially aid in achieving global climate goals. Our strategy includes phasing out older coal-fired plants over the medium to long term, coupled with the introduction of carbon capture and utilization technologies to reduce emissions from remaining sources. Our renewable energy capacity has already grown to 4.8 percent, and we aim to at least triple this figure by 2030, alongside advancing hydrogen development.
While national actions are crucial, international cooperation and accelerating regional initiatives are even more vital. In 2026, we plan to host the Regional Climate Summit under the auspices of the UN and other international organizations. The event is set to become a landmark event to mobilize regional action and unify the region’s voices toward a common vision for climate action and resilience.
This summit, along with our ongoing regional collaboration efforts, underscores our commitment to collective action. Our recent collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development under the C5+1 diplomatic platform exemplifies this commitment. Through this collaboration, we are working to advance sustainable energy practices across Central Asia.
The role of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in global climate discourse is immensely significant. As we approach COP28, it is crucial for the international community to recognize and engage with the unique challenges and solutions emerging from Central Asia. The actions and commitments of this region are integral pieces of the global puzzle in addressing climate change.
Kazakhstan and Central Asia are not merely observers of climate change but proactive participants in environmental stewardship. As the world grapples with the complexities of climate change, our region’s efforts provide valuable lessons and opportunities for global cooperation. Together, we can forge a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Zulfiya Suleimenova is an Advisor to the President – Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan for International Environmental Cooperation
Monday, April 15 2024 12:39
ArmInfo.President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan reaffirmed their strong commitment to enhancing multifaceted ties at an April 15 meeting in Yerevan, reported the Kazakh Presidential press service. >>> |
Monday, December 25 2023 18:58
ArmInfo. Среди стран Центральной Азии и СНГ (включая бывшие) Казахстан занимает ведущее место по объёмам валового внутреннего продукта (ВВП). >>> |
Wednesday, December 6 2023 10:57
ArmInfo.Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), This year’s COP28 event – the 28th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC) – saw several significant achievements. >>> |
Tuesday, November 22 2022 21:30
ArmInfo. >>> |
Friday, August 19 2022 13:19
ArmInfo. Erlan Qosanov, Head of the Assembly, the lower house of Parliament of Kazakhstan, has sent a letter of condolences to his Armenian counterpart. >>> |
Tuesday, January 11 2022 10:11
ArmInfo. In the context of the current developments in Kazakhstan, RA Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan discussed with Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Kazakhstan Elvira Azimova issues related to the rights of the Armenian community. >>> |
Monday, January 10 2022 17:00
ArmInfo.In fact, this is the first time that the CSTO peacekeeping potential was actually used to ensure the security, stability and integrity of one of the member states. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said this at an extraordinary session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, convened at the initiative of the head of the Republic of Kazakhstan in connection with the situation in the country. >>> |
Thursday, January 6 2022 18:10
ArmInfo.Chairman of the CSTO Collective Security Council, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan made the following statement this morning: >>> |
Wednesday, January 5 2022 13:22
ArmInfo. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on the resignation of the government, Tengrinews.kz reports. >>> |
Thursday, August 12 2021 10:56
ArmInfo. Photo exhibition entitled: " Internationally recognized Kazakhstan!" dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was organized yesterday at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Armenia, with the participation of representatives of Armenian state, public and humanitarian organizations and the media. >>> |
Wednesday, December 2 2020 16:01
ArmInfo. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described the agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh, adopted with the mediating role of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as historic. >>> |
Tuesday, November 10 2020 14:52
ArmInfo. The Embassy of Kazakhstan in the RA appealed to compatriots in Armenia. >>> |
Thursday, April 2 2020 17:40
ArmInfo. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law "On Ratification of the Protocol on the Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Agreement on the introduction of uniform forms of single type motor vehicle certificate of title and self-propelled vehicle certificate of title and other types of equipment and organization of electronic passport systems dated August 15, 2014" . This was reported on the official website of the head of Kazakhstan. >>> |
Thursday, March 12 2020 14:21
ArmInfo. The Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan ratified the Agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and Armenia on issues of exchange of notes and the procedure for recognition of official documents. >>> |
Thursday, March 5 2020 11:38
ArmInfo. A thorough exchange of views on pressing issues of the multilateral agenda, including cooperation between the two countries in such international organizations as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), UN, UN Security Council, took place during a meeting of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Armenia Timur Urazaev with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Artak Apitonyan . >>> |
Saturday, February 29 2020 15:37
ArmInfo.The problem of registration of vehicles imported from the EAEU countries is still relevant. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, stated this in an interview to informburo.kz. >>> |
Monday, February 17 2020 15:23
ArmInfo.The citizens who had evacuated from China, wwere discharged from a hospital in the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan, including one Armenian woman, Tengrinews reports. >>> |
Monday, February 17 2020 12:01
ArmInfo. At the Munich Security Conference, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met with Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi. >>> |
Friday, January 31 2020 11:49
ArmInfo.Representatives of Kazakhstan ministries and departments (Ministry of Internal Affairs, Customs Service, State Revenue Committee) conduct working consultations with their Armenian counterparts in order to understand the whole mechanism of re-exporting cars to the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. >>> |
Friday, January 31 2020 11:50
ArmInfo.Kazakhstan has had a lot of discussion with Armenia on the creation of joint cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Armenia Timur Urazaev stated this in an interview with ArmInfo correspondent. >>> |