Author: Vision & Global Trends – 12/11/2024
Uzbekistan’s Political Commitment to Addressing Climate Change and the Aral Sea Crisis: A Critical Perspective from COP29
Abstract – At the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a compelling address that not only highlighted the global climate challenges but also emphasized the critical environmental issues that Central Asia, and Uzbekistan in particular, faces. One of the most pressing and iconic environmental concerns in the region is the dramatic ecological collapse of the Aral Sea, which has become a symbol of the broader environmental and geopolitical issues exacerbated by climate change. This paper examines President Mirziyoyev’s speech, with a particular focus on the importance of Uzbekistan’s political stance in addressing the Aral Sea disaster and its wider implications for regional and global environmental policies.
Key words: COP29, Aral Sea, Central Asia, Climate Change, Water scarcity, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan
The Aral Sea Crisis: A Global Tragedy
In his address, President Mirziyoyev poignantly reminded the international community of the catastrophic environmental impact the Aral Sea disaster has had on Central Asia. The once vast inland sea, shared by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, has shrunk dramatically due to decades of unsustainable water diversion for agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, in the region. The drying up of the Aral Sea has led to a cascade of environmental problems: loss of biodiversity, severe water scarcity, the spread of toxic dust storms, and the displacement of local populations.
For Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea is not just an ecological issue; it is a national crisis with profound social, economic, and political dimensions. The collapse of the sea represents not only a direct threat to public health and livelihoods in Uzbekistan’s rural regions but also a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Central Asia to climate-induced changes. The disaster has become a focal point of Uzbekistan’s environmental diplomacy, and President Mirziyoyev’s statement at COP29 reflects the country’s determination to address the environmental legacy of the Aral Sea.
Uzbekistan’s Commitment to Regional and Global Cooperation
Mirziyoyev’s speech framed Uzbekistan’s approach to climate change as one of active participation and regional cooperation. He emphasized that climate change exacerbates existing challenges in Central Asia, particularly poverty, food security, and access to water. These issues are closely linked to the ongoing degradation of the Aral Sea and the broader ecological health of the region. Uzbekistan’s strategy, therefore, hinges not only on national reforms but also on collective regional efforts to address these shared challenges.
The President highlighted Uzbekistan’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030. This is part of a broader national agenda that includes the expansion of green energy, the creation of electric car clusters, and the promotion of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. However, these efforts are not isolated; they are embedded within a regional framework that includes joint initiatives with neighboring countries. This collective approach to tackling climate change in Central Asia is crucial for the sustainability of the entire region, including the restoration efforts for the Aral Sea.
In addition, Mirziyoyev proposed the creation of an International Centre for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment, emphasizing the need for technical support and funding for countries facing the worst effects of climate change. Uzbekistan, as a country directly impacted by both the effects of climate change and the environmental degradation of the Aral Sea, is positioning itself as a key advocate for broader international collaboration on climate issues.
The Call for Global Action on Transboundary Water Resources
Uzbekistan’s leadership in climate change negotiations is grounded in the recognition that climate change affects both the availability and quality of water resources. The Aral Sea disaster is a stark example of how water mismanagement, coupled with changing climate patterns, can lead to ecological and humanitarian crises. In his speech, Mirziyoyev called for a unified global approach to prevent the pollution of transboundary water resources, a direct reference to the Aral Sea’s fate. His proposal to develop a UN-backed Declaration on the Ecological Safety of River Ecosystems underscores the need for international cooperation to manage shared water bodies in a way that ensures sustainable use and preserves biodiversity.
The emphasis on water resources is particularly significant in Central Asia, where rivers like the Amu Darya and Syr Darya are vital to the region’s agriculture, energy, and drinking water supply. Uzbekistan’s focus on this issue highlights the country’s commitment to mitigating the environmental risks posed by climate change and preventing further ecological damage, especially in relation to the Aral Sea basin.
Promoting Sustainable Development and Climate Adaptation
In addition to addressing the direct environmental challenges posed by the Aral Sea, President Mirziyoyev outlined several initiatives aimed at fostering long-term climate resilience and sustainable development. Among these were proposals for a Regional Genetic Resources Bank to improve crop resilience to climate change and the creation of an Agro-Industry Innovation Hub in Uzbekistan. These initiatives are designed to support the agricultural sector, which remains central to Uzbekistan’s economy, while simultaneously addressing the impacts of climate change on food security and agricultural productivity.
Furthermore, the President proposed the creation of an Alliance of World Climate Capitals to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on sustainable urban development, and invited global youth to engage in climate action through the Global Youth Festival of Digital Green Initiatives, which will be held in the Aral Sea region. These initiatives reflect Uzbekistan’s broader commitment to climate adaptation and sustainable development, aimed at both mitigating the impacts of climate change and empowering future generations to contribute to climate solutions.
Conclusion: A National Crisis with Global Implications
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address at COP29 underscores the importance of Uzbekistan’s political engagement in the global climate conversation, particularly about the Aral Sea disaster. The environmental degradation of the Aral Sea is not only a national tragedy but also a cautionary tale for the international community about the dangers of unsustainable water management, climate change, and environmental neglect.
Uzbekistan’s emphasis on regional cooperation, its ambitious climate goals, and its proactive role in addressing transboundary water challenges reflect a country that is not only grappling with its own environmental crises but also actively seeking global solutions. The Aral Sea, once the fourth-largest inland lake in the world, may be beyond full restoration, but it remains a powerful symbol of the need for urgent action to address climate change, protect water resources, and preserve ecosystems for future generations.