With UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) around the corner, a new poll by Montfort Eurasia has uncovered a complex landscape of public opinion on climate change and the event’s significance. The survey, conducted across Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, reveals both stark regional divides and a lack of awareness about COP29’s purpose and potential impact.
Polling data reveals a stark divide among Central Asian and Caucasus nations regarding climate issues. While some countries express a strong sense of urgency, others show indifference. This disparity poses a significant challenge for COP29 organizers, who must work to unify the region’s climate narrative. The awareness gap around COP29 and mixed views on the effectiveness of climate conferences suggest that building regional engagement may require a focused approach tailored to local priorities.
The poll reveals a wide range of perspectives on climate change. While 28% of respondents expressed deep concern, attitudes vary significantly by country. Uzbekistan showed the highest level of concern, with 38% of respondents indicating they are "very concerned," followed by Kazakhstan at 33%. In contrast, 26% of respondents in Georgia reported feeling unconcerned, surpassing the 20% who view climate change as a pressing issue.
These findings reflect a divided landscape where climate change is seen as an urgent priority by some, but a lesser issue by others, complicating the task of fostering regional cooperation on sustainability efforts.
Awareness of COP29 appears to be inconsistent across Central Asia. While 85% of Azerbaijanis reported familiarity with the conference, awareness is much lower in neighboring countries, with less than half of respondents in other surveyed nations knowing about COP29 or its relevance. Although 51% of Azerbaijanis expressed strong support for hosting the event, this enthusiasm is not shared widely across the region, where only 37% of respondents are supportive.
Even more telling, only 22% of respondents believe that international conferences like COP29 are "highly effective" in addressing climate issues, underscoring a credibility challenge for event organizers who hope to demonstrate meaningful outcomes.
The survey also highlights key environmental priorities. Preservation of natural resources and waste reduction ranked as top concerns, reflecting the region’s focus on tangible environmental issues. Renewable energy expansion came third, indicating an openness to clean energy solutions such as solar and wind. However, priorities like sustainable agriculture and emissions reduction ranked lower, suggesting that these broader global issues may not yet resonate strongly within the region.
“This poll offers an unprecedented insight into how over 80mn people across Central Asia view climate change and sustainability,” said Eleanor Kramers, Managing Director at Montfort Eurasia. “For international businesses operating in the region, understanding these perspectives will be crucial in developing effective sustainability strategies. As COP29 draws near, aligning with regional priorities can lead to meaningful outcomes and long-term business success.”
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