The continued shrinkage of the Aral Sea is putting the health and livelihoods of nearly 1mn people at serious risk, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, said at a United Nations conference on environmental sustainability held in Turkmenistan.
Addressing international delegates, Abdukhakimov highlighted the worsening effects of climate change in Uzbekistan, warning that rising temperatures and prolonged droughts are threatening multiple sectors of the economy and the well-being of local communities.
“Over the past 50 years, the average annual temperature in Uzbekistan has risen by 1.2°C. The number of dry days has increased by 20%,” he stated. “In 2023 alone, nearly 40% of the country’s land was hit by severe drought. This significantly affected agriculture, which makes up 17% of our GDP.”
The minister pointed to the Aral Sea crisis as a visible and ongoing environmental disaster.
“The shrinking of the Aral Sea is not just an ecological issue. It threatens the health of about 1mn people and has caused widespread loss of livelihoods,” he added.
Once one of the largest inland bodies of water in the world, the Aral Sea has lost over 90% of its volume since the 1960s due to massive water diversion projects. Once-thriving fishing villages have turned into dusty wastelands, and toxic dust storms from the exposed seabed now pose serious public health risks.
Despite the challenges, Abdukhakimov emphasized that Uzbekistan is taking action. Under the “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy, the country is working to adapt to climate change, restore ecosystems, and better predict natural disasters.
“Adaptation plans are already in place for key economic sectors. We’ve passed legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and have begun implementing carbon regulation mechanisms. A National Climate Change Strategy has also been approved,” he said.
The minister’s remarks received strong interest and support from international participants, contributing meaningfully to broader discussions on sustainability and resilience in the face of intensifying climate threats.
Experts believe that while the Aral Sea may never return to its original size, targeted efforts such as restoring water flow from the Amu Darya River and preserving remaining ecosystems could mitigate the damage and support communities in the region.
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