An expedition to the Pakhtakor glacier, the largest glacier in the Tashkent region, conducted by the Scientific Research Institute of Hydrometeorology, the German Earth Research Center, and the Green Central Asia initiative, has revealed alarming accelerated melting of the glacier.
Climatologist Erkin Abdulahatov reported that the glacier's "ice tongue," previously marked by a 3-meter stake installed during the summer of 2023, has significantly retreated. Over the past year, the glacier has pulled back by 20 meters, and the stake is now separated from the glacier due to the melting of the ice tongue.
The expedition team, who reached the glacier on foot after a day’s trek from the nearest facility at Oygaing avalanche meteorological station, gathered crucial data from weather stations installed at the site. This data will be vital for understanding the glacier’s rapid melt and its implications.
The Pakhtakor Glacier, located between towering mountains and 35 km from the inaccessible meteorological station, is experiencing unprecedented changes, stressing the urgent need for climate action.
Uzbekistan’s Impact on Global Climate Efforts
Uzbekistan has consistently highlighted climate change issues at international summits, focusing on critical concerns like the Aral Sea's desiccation, desertification, and rising natural disasters. These challenges impact ecosystems, economies, and human well-being, driving Uzbekistan's proactive role in global climate forums.
Central Asia, despite contributing only 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is highly susceptible to climate change, with temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average and glaciers shrinking by nearly 30% since the 1980s. This warming exacerbates water scarcity and poses economic threats, including a potential 11% drop in regional GDP by 2050 and increased disaster costs. The World Bank reports that natural disasters already affect about 3mn people annually in Central Asia, costing $10bn.
In response, Uzbekistan is advancing a green economy through initiatives such as the Paris Agreement, a green economy strategy, and investments in solar and wind energy. The country aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 35% per unit of GDP by 2030 and is actively involved in international and regional climate initiatives.
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