Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan, particularly its capital city Bishkek, faces severe air pollution, ranking as the second worst globally in 2022. The annual mean exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is 24.4 µg/m³—4.9 times higher than the WHO guideline. In 2019, fine particle pollution was responsible for 56 deaths per 100,000 people, totaling approximately 2,200 deaths across the country.

The problem is especially acute in winter when PM2.5 levels exceed WHO guidelines by up to 30 times due to a combination of emissions and climatic factors. The geography of Bishkek contributes to air pollution during colder months, as an inversion layer traps pollutants close to the ground. The economic impact of air pollution is significant, with $20 million in annual losses due to premature deaths and health-related issues. Between July 2021 and June 2022, PM2.5 pollution was responsible for 112 deaths in Bishkek, further highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Monthly mean PM2.5 concentrations in Bishkek across multiple years exhibit a distinct seasonal trend. Average PM2.5 levels peak during the winter months (December to February), often exceeding 50 µg/m³, and significantly decrease during the spring and summer months (April to August), dropping to around 10 µg/m³. Regarding the maximum variability in PM2.5 by month over the years, PM2.5 concentrations show high variability during the winter months, frequently spiking well above the mean values, while the summer months have lower, less fluctuating levels.

The primary sources of air pollution in Bishkek include residential coal heating, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and waste incineration. Poor-quality coal, widely used in homes for heating, is the leading contributor to PM2.5 pollution, particularly in winter. Low-quality diesel fuel in aging vehicles further worsens air quality, while dust from surrounding areas and year-round waste incineration add to the problem. Although industrial emissions contribute, they are not as significant as emissions from residential and transport sectors.

Yearly mean PM2.5 levels in major cities of Kyrgyzstan show persistent air pollution, with Osh recording the highest concentrations, fluctuating between 20-30 µg/m³. Bishkek and Suzak exhibit slightly lower levels, generally ranging from 15-25 µg/m³. Despite some variations over the years, all locations consistently exceed the WHO standard, highlighting ongoing air quality challenges influenced by urban emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal meteorological effects.

To address these issues, the Kyrgyz government has introduced several air quality improvement initiatives. The Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project, supported by the World Bank, aims to reduce PM2.5 and greenhouse gas emissions in Bishkek by enhancing air quality management capacity. A draft Action Plan (2020-2023) was developed to target major pollution sources, while an Air Quality Improvement Master Plan is being prepared to support investment in pollution reduction. Efforts include improving data collection, strengthening pollution control enforcement, and expanding urban greening initiatives. Additional measures focus on promoting cleaner household heating, upgrading waste management practices, and enforcing emissions regulations in the transport sector. Despite these policies, addressing Bishkek’s severe air pollution will require long-term investments and stronger enforcement mechanisms.