Impact of Climate Change on the Health of Central Asia’s Population Discussed at СОР-30

Within the framework of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-30), held in Belém, Brazil, a side event titled “Climate Change, Health and Productivity Loss in Central Asia” took place. The event, co-organized by the Project Office for Central Asia on Climate Change and Green Energy of the Central Asia Climate Foundation (CACF), brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and the expert community. Participants emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, developed a set of practical recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on health and labor productivity, and discussed ways to integrate these findings into the preparatory process for the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES-2026).

The side event was attended by representatives of the environmental authorities of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), PIK, Heidelberg University, the United Nations University, and others.

During the discussion, it was noted that Central Asia is among the world’s regions most vulnerable to climate change, with warming rates significantly exceeding the global average. The region is already experiencing a marked increase in average annual temperatures, and according to expert forecasts, without urgent measures, temperatures in some parts of Central Asia could rise by 5-6°C by the end of the century.

Severe droughts and seasonal fluctuations in water availability are increasing pressure on hydropower generation and irrigation systems, posing serious challenges to food security and regional stability. 

Climate change also represents a growing, yet insufficiently studied, threat to human health and labor productivity. Extreme heat is increasingly associated with heat-related illnesses (such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke), dehydration, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, and mental health issues. A growing body of research also highlights the direct impacts of climate change on sexual and reproductive health, including maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Labor productivity, particularly in sectors involving outdoor work – such as construction, agriculture, and services – is significantly reduced during periods of extreme heat. Gender inequality is also evident: informal workers, particularly women and street vendors, as well as children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected by heat stress, often lacking access to protective infrastructure, cooling, or occupational safety measures.

Representatives of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan emphasized that the limited evidence base on the health impacts of heat stress complicates the development of appropriate policies at the government level in the region.

The event featured a scientific overview on the impacts of climate change – particularly extreme heat – on health and labor productivity in Central Asia, discussing possible adaptation and resilience-building pathways, healthcare system preparedness, labor protection mechanisms, and gender-responsive policies.

Participants agreed to enhance cooperation between researchers, government bodies, and international organizations to promote joint action and adaptation measures.

Following the side event, a set of practical recommendations was developed for the governments of Central Asian countries, international organizations, and research institutions aimed at reducing the negative effects of climate change on health and labor productivity, and integrating these findings into the preparatory process for RES-2026.

As previously reported, the Regional Ecological Summit is scheduled to take place in Astana on 22-24 April 2026, where the environmental challenges facing Central Asian countries and potential solutions will be discussed.