Central Asia’s Rapid Urbanization and Climate Crisis: A Call for Resilient Governance
In the heart of Central Asia, a region where rapid urbanization collides with the challenges of climate change, there is an urgent need for resilient governance. Transition economies in this area are experiencing unprecedented growth, but they remain vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It is not enough to build cities; we must build resilient and sustainable urban spaces that can withstand the climate challenges of the future.
Central Asia, with its geographic constraints, is particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of the climate crisis, including water shortages in its urban areas. However, this crisis extends far beyond the region. By 2050, nearly half of the world’s largest cities – 482 in total – will face water shortages, underscoring the severity of the situation.
One city that exemplifies the pressing issues arising from rapid urbanization in Central Asia is Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The city’s booming construction industry has overwhelmed existing infrastructure, specifically its water supply systems. This situation is not unique to Astana; other urban centers in Central Asia face similar challenges. For instance, Uzbekistan, a significant economic force in the region, struggled with its energy system during the harsh winter last December.
The question that arises from these circumstances is how cities can prepare for the impacts of rapid urbanization and climate change simultaneously. The answer lies in climate-resilient governance strategies. These strategies encompass five essential capacities or pillars that play a vital role in a community’s ability to adapt and respond effectively to climate change challenges. These pillars include safeguarding against environmental variations, preparedness to handle extreme weather conditions, ensuring a robust recovery process, proactive planning for climate change, and broad stakeholder involvement to shift towards a climate-resilient society.
Understanding and enhancing these capacities within cities are crucial steps in building resilient communities that can effectively navigate climate-related challenges. As Central Asian countries undergo significant shifts in population dynamics, with increased urbanization rates and growing demands for housing, energy, and transportation, a holistic approach to climate policies becomes imperative. Climate policies must transcend traditional boundaries, addressing not only environmental concerns but also the interconnections between agriculture, urban planning, health, energy, education, and transportation sectors.
Active community engagement is also critical for fostering climate resilience in governance. By involving communities in decision-making processes, policymakers can tap into local knowledge and insight while raising awareness about climate change. This engagement ensures that policies are tailored to meet the specific needs of the residents. Moreover, involving communities in disaster preparedness and response strategies leads to more effective outcomes, as they are often the first responders during climate-related disasters.
As the world looks towards COP28, policymakers must pay attention to the challenges associated with rapid urbanization and climate change in emerging economies like the Central Asian republics. A fundamental paradigm shift towards climate-resilient governance is necessary. This transformation demands a comprehensive focus on the five key capacities mentioned earlier to enable communities and societies to effectively address climate-related adversities.
To achieve this, embracing climate-resilient governance and interdisciplinary policies is essential. Policymakers should prioritize active community engagement, harnessing local knowledge, and tailored disaster preparedness strategies. COP28 provides an opportunity to shape a sustainable and resilient future for the region.
The author, Amina, is a researcher at Nazarbayev University’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network (NU SDSN) and has a strong academic background in public policy and climate change research. With her expertise and experience, she emphasizes the significance of climate-resilient governance in addressing the challenges faced by Central Asian countries.
