Climate is changing double times faster in Central Asia-Senate

Climate change in central Asia is happening twice as fast as the rest of the world.  This was stated at the meeting of the Senate committee on the issues of ecology and development of the Aral Sea region.

In the meeting, the report of the director general of the Hydrometeorological Service Center on the implementation of the tasks set out in the short- and medium-term action plan to mitigate the effects of climate change in Uzbekistan was considered.

It is noted that climate change in central Asia as a result of the Aral Sea catastrophe is occurring twice as fast as the rest of the world.  This is reflected in the melting of glaciers which are the main source of rivers, the periodicity and frequency of dust storms, land degradation, and water scarcity.

In addition to the work implemented, the meeting stressed some failures by the ministries and departments on the implementation of some activities identified in the short- and medium-term action plans.  In particular, the draft long-term plan of measures for 2022-2030 on the implementation of the strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the transition to a «green» economy has not been completed.

In addition, work on the development of renewable and hydrogen energy and the possibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fuel and energy complex has not been completed.

Also, the process of revision of technical standards of construction taking into account climatic conditions and approval of «New Building Rules» has not been fulfilled.
Senators gave instructions, suggestions, and recommendations to the responsible persons on timely implementation of the tasks and other issues.  In particular, the development of « Wind atlas of of the Republic of Uzbekistan» and «Solar atlas of the Republic of Uzbekistan» have been instructed.

The relevant decision of the committee was adopted on the issues considered at the meeting.