Almaty has been experiencing persistently high levels of air pollution over the past decade. According to monitoring data, in nine out of ten years between 2015 and 2024, the city's air quality was classified as high for pollution.
The city’s location contributes to the issue. Almaty lies in a low-lying valley at the base of the Ile Alatau mountain range, where natural air circulation is limited. Winds from the mountains and valleys tend to trap pollutants, especially in the northern areas of the city. Unregulated large-scale urban development over the past 20 years has worsened the situation, with thick smog covering the city for over six months each year.
The main sources of air pollution in Almaty include emissions from vehicles, coal and wood burning in suburban homes, and thermal power plants. Vehicle exhaust releases harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide. Private houses that rely on stoves for heating contribute significantly to the emission of particulate matter and gases. Although parts of the city have access to natural gas, the three main thermal power plants - TPP-1, TPP-2 and TPP-3 - still play a major role in pollution levels.
Kazhydromet, the state agency responsible for weather and climate monitoring, recorded an Air Pollution Index (API) of 7 to 8, considered high, between 2015 and 2016 and again from 2018 to 2021. In 2017, the API was slightly lower, at 5 to 6, indicating elevated levels. In 2022 and 2024, the Standard Index also showed a high level, while in 2023 the pollution was classified as very high. In 2024, there were 31,960 cases of pollutant concentrations exceeding the legal limit. These included nitrogen and carbon oxides, ozone, sulphur and nitrogen dioxides, as well as PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
Experts say that addressing the issue will require a comprehensive approach. Proposed measures include upgrading transport infrastructure, shifting to cleaner fuels, tightening emission controls at power plants and expanding gas access in suburban areas. Regular monitoring and public reporting on air quality are also seen as essential to reduce health risks.
Air pollution in Almaty is not only an environmental issue but also a social one, affecting the quality of life for millions of people. In 2025, new technologies and stricter environmental regulations are expected to be introduced in an effort to improve the situation.
More Palestinian families left Gaza City on Tuesday after a night of Israeli shelling on its outskirts, as Israelis launched a day of nationwide prote...
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit the People’s Republic of China from 30 August to 3 September, following an official invitation fro...
Almaty has been experiencing persistently high levels of air pollution over the past decade. According to monitoring data, in nine out of ten years be...
The Tawila Cisterns, a network of ancient water reservoirs carved into Shamsan mountain, have been included in the Arab Architectural and Urban Herita...
France's minority government looks increasingly likely to be ousted next month after three main opposition parties said they would not back a confiden...
More Palestinian families left Gaza City on Tuesday after a night of Israeli shelling on its outskirts, as Israelis launched a day of nationwide protests calling for hostages to be released and the war in Gaza to end.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit the People’s Republic of China from 30 August to 3 September, following an official invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Akorda presidential administration reports.
The Tawila Cisterns, a network of ancient water reservoirs carved into Shamsan mountain, have been included in the Arab Architectural and Urban Heritage list by the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).
France's minority government looks increasingly likely to be ousted next month after three main opposition parties said they would not back a confidence vote which Prime Minister Francois Bayrou announced for 8 September over his plans for sweeping €44 billion budget cuts.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
More Palestinian families left Gaza City on Tuesday after a night of Israeli shelling on its outskirts, as Israelis launched a day of nationwide protests calling for hostages to be released and the war in Gaza to end.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit the People’s Republic of China from 30 August to 3 September, following an official invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Akorda presidential administration reports.
France's minority government looks increasingly likely to be ousted next month after three main opposition parties said they would not back a confidence vote which Prime Minister Francois Bayrou announced for 8 September over his plans for sweeping €44 billion budget cuts.
The Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, is rapidly running out of medical supplies due to a prolonged Israeli blockade, plunging patients, including those injured in Israel's continued onslaught, into a dire situation.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 26th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment