Asian Journal of Technology & Management Research (AJTMR) ISSN: 2249 –0892 Vol.

14 Issue–02, Jan -2025

Environmental Problems in Uzbekistan and Ways to Solve Them

A. T. Shermukhamedov
Doctor of Physics and -Mathematical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Economics and Logistics at
SBUMIPTK Institute in Tashkent,
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

M. A. Abdullayev
PhD. in Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Economics and Logistics at SBUMIPTK Institute
in Tashkent,
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

B. Holboev
Doctor of Physics and Mathematical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Higher Mathematics. Tashkent
Branch of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics,
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Abstract. "Green economy" is a field in economics in which it is a component of the natural

environment and the efficient use of natural resources. Environmental issues are respected on the basis of
environmental standards (IFS, GRI standards). It is based on the efficient use of resources and reducing
its negative impact on the environment. The article examines the impact of innovative technologies on the
development of the "green" economy.
Keywords: Green economy, innovation, environment, ecological transformation, sustainable development,
natural resources.

1. INTRODUCTION
Climate change in Central Asia is one of the global environmental issues of great importance to the peoples of
the region. It is known that in recent years climate change has been rapidly progressing throughout the world,
having a significant impact not only on natural systems and people's lifestyles, but also on socio-economic
conditions and health systems. These changes hinder efforts to ensure food security, poverty reduction and
sustainable development. Uzbekistan is actively promoting a number of initiatives aimed at combating these
problems and ensuring environmental sustainability in the region.х15ъ
The concepts of sustainable development and environmental policy in the modern world have acquired
special significance, determining the vector of socio-economic development and strategic decisions at the
national and international levels. In the context of the Republic of Uzbekistan, these concepts are formed under
the influence of not only global environmental challenges and international standards, but also deeply rooted
ideological attitudes reflecting the unique cultural, religious and philosophical characteristics of the region.
Ideological aspects play a key role in determining priorities and strategies aimed at achieving sustainable
development, adapting to changing climatic conditions and maintaining the ecological balance. In Uzbekistan,
traditional values and beliefs that have formed over the centuries have a significant impact on the formation of
public consciousness and approaches to environmental management, which is reflected in national
environmental initiatives and sustainable development policies.
Attention is paid to the analysis of how cultural and philosophical paradigms characteristic of Uzbek society
influence environmental policies and strategies aimed at increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable
energy sources and ensuring environmental safety. Such research allows us to identify the underlying
mechanisms that facilitate the harmonization of national interests with global environmental goals and to
determine ways to improve the effectiveness of environmental management in the context of the growing
challenges of the 21st century.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Environmental issues have become a global concern due to their impact on ecosystems, human health, and
economies. This literature review examines various environmental problems, including climate change,
deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss, drawing upon scholarly sources and research studies.
Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, has led to rising global temperatures, extreme weather
events, and sea-level rise (IPCC, 2021). Research by NASA (2020) [9] highlights that human activities, such as

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Asian Journal of Technology & Management Research (AJTMR) ISSN: 2249 –0892 Vol. 14 Issue–02, Jan -2025

fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, significantly contribute to climate change. The Paris Agreement
(UNFCCC, 2015) [11] seeks to mitigate these effects by limiting global warming to below 2°C. Deforestation is
a major environmental issue resulting in habitat loss, reduced carbon sequestration, and biodiversity decline
(FAO, 2020). Studies indicate that the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," has been
significantly impacted by illegal logging and agricultural expansion (Laurance et al., 2018) [8]. Efforts to
combat deforestation include reforestation programs and sustainable land management practices.
Pollution, including air, water, and soil contamination, poses severe threats to both human and environmental
health. According to WHO (2019) [13], air pollution causes respiratory diseases and contributes to millions of
premature deaths annually. Water pollution, often caused by industrial waste and agricultural runoff, leads to
ecosystem degradation and health risks (UNEP, 2021). [12]
Technological advancements and policy measures are essential in addressing pollution issues
(Schwarzenbach et al., 2010).[10]
Biodiversity loss is a consequence of habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. Reports by IUCN
(2020) [7] indicate that over one million species face extinction due to human activities. Conservation efforts,
including protected areas and species recovery programs, are crucial in preserving global biodiversity (Wilson,
2016).[14]

3. ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

When considering the main environmental problems and ways to solve them in the very near future, we
believe that one of the most important problems is the problem of atmospheric air pollution, where industry is
the main source of pollution. The main industries polluting the atmosphere of Uzbekistan are thermal power
plants and cement production enterprises.
In addition, 1.27 million tons of toxic substances are released into the atmosphere from faulty cars every year.
According to the Ministry's calculations, the volume of annual industrial emissions of industrial enterprises into
the atmospheric air in Uzbekistan in 2022 amounted to 874 thousand tons. Of the 360.5 thousand tons of
emissions, 40% is accounted for by oil and gas, 200 thousand tons – 22.8% by energy, 185.5 thousand tons -
21.2% by metallurgy, 25 thousand tons – 2.8% by construction and 103 thousand tons – 11.7% by other
industries. Thermal power plants and cement production plants are the main industries that have an impact on
the atmosphere.
There are currently 12 thermal power plants operating in Uzbekistan, the largest of which are the Angren and
Yangi Angren coal-fired thermal power plants. In addition, there are 36 cement enterprises, 15 oil and gas
processing enterprises and 4 metallurgical industry enterprises. Currently, there are 3,268,480 vehicles owned
by individuals in the republic, of which 796,034 (24%) are designed to run on gasoline, 71,088 (2%) on diesel
and 2,401,348 (74%) on gas fuel.
100,000 vehicles are defective, of which an average of 1.27 million tons of pollutants are released into the
atmosphere per year. As part of the emissions concept, it is planned to switch at least 50% of public transport to
gas, electricity and other alternative fuels. This is a very large number, and if this figure is reached, the damage
caused by cars to the air will decrease dramatically. Since the 1970s, 25 cities in Uzbekistan have been
monitoring the air condition in large industrial zones, regional and district centers. According to these data,
Tashkent occupied the 4th-5th place in terms of pollution until 2020.
The first places were traditionally occupied by Navoi, Almalyk, Angren and Ferghana. However, in recent
years, due to the expansion of the monitoring and measurement network of various pollutants, Tashkent has
come out on top. In 2023, Tashkent took the first place in the Atmospheric Pollution Index. This is due not only
to the level of PM2.5 concentration, but also to the excess of standards for phenol, ozone and nitrogen dioxide,
the content of which has increased 75 times in five years. Atmospheric air pollution is understood as the
formation of harmful substances in it in concentrations exceeding the hygienic and environmental standards of
atmospheric air quality established by the state [1].
Polluted air is one of the main environmental risk factors for health, contributing to an increase in premature
mortality. Its harm to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems has long been confirmed, as well as a link with
multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The most dangerous pollutant is considered to be
PM2.5 [2].
In 2015, it was associated with 4.2 million deaths. The World Health Organization recommends against
exceeding the concentration of PM2.5 above 15 micrograms/m3 per day and 5 micrograms/m3 per year. PM2.5,
their main sources are: 36% – dust during the year, 28% – thermal power plants, 16% – transport, 13% –
industrial enterprises and construction dust. Harmful substances cloud the mind and make it difficult to perform
everyday tasks. Moreover, short-term inhalation of polluted air is sufficient for this.
A study conducted by scientists from the Universities of Birmingham and Manchester showed that even

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Asian Journal of Technology & Management Research (AJTMR) ISSN: 2249 –0892 Vol. 14 Issue–02, Jan -2025

short-term exposure to air with a high concentration of particulate matter (PM) reduces the ability to concentrate
and recognize emotions [3]. A prominent representative of the introduction of energy-efficient technologies
today is the United States, a country that implements a number of programs and technologies aimed not only at
energy conservation, but also at maintaining a favorable environmental environment.
Among the technologies used are: technologies for energy efficiency of construction facilities (buildings,
structures), technologies for effective water consumption management, technologies for managing and reducing
harmful waste and emissions, and many others. Technology has allowed the US government to reduce the
energy intensity of production by 49% and save $ 50 billion in environmental costs, which has led to a
significant reduction in emissions into the atmosphere and soil (in relative terms, it is 50-60%).
Germany is also a leader in the use of energy-efficient technologies, where emphasis is placed on the use of
wind energy and great attention is paid to the use of solar energy, which significantly saves energy resources
and preserves the balance of the natural balance. An example of already implemented "green" technologies in
Russia is the construction of energy-efficient houses, or in other words, a "Smart home" [4].
Regarding the environmental component, this has led to a significant reduction in emissions into the
atmosphere and soil (in relative terms, it is 50-60%). The main focus in improving the ecological appearance of
Uzbekistan is on increasing green spaces and forest areas, building health paths, as well as supporting initiatives
of eco-activists and businesses to protect nature [5].
The President signed a decree on the implementation of the Strategy "Uzbekistan – 2030" in the Year of
Environmental Protection and the "green economy". According to the document, large-scale measures are
planned in 2025 to improve the ecological appearance of mahallas, increase the level of landscaping of streets
and create a comfortable living environment. In particular, a network of "Shady Boulevards" will be created –
trees and plants will be planted along new pedestrian and bicycle paths. 80 infrastructure facilities and more
than 110 kilometers of health trails will also be built on the shores of reservoirs and rivers [6].
Landscaping will expand due to the efficient use of rain and wastewater, the introduction of modern water-
saving technologies for watering trees in mahallas.200 million trees and shrubs will be planted as part of the
Yasil Macon and My Garden national projects, and solar-powered lighting will be installed in green parks and
public areas. 100,000 hectares of green spaces will be created in the Aral Sea region, and the total forest area in
the region will increase to 2.1 million hectares. The area of forests will be increased to 4.1 million hectares, and
protected natural areas will be expanded to 14.5%.
Unused reserves in the field of ecotourism, forestry and medicinal crop production will be identified, which
will increase the incomes of the population. Gardens of drought-resistant plants (halophytes) will be created in
certain areas of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Jizzakh and Kashkadarya regions.In-vitro state laboratories will be
opened in Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Surkhandarya, Jizzakh, Ferghana and Tashkent regions. Small businesses
will also be able to obtain loans for the creation of private laboratories, for which at least $ 30 million will be
attracted from international financial institutions [15].
An acceleration system will be introduced to support public, environmental, and business initiatives to protect
nature. The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a special program to reduce industrial emissions into the
atmosphere. It is planned to repair and replace 723 units of gas purification and dust collection equipment at 145
industrial enterprises in 2023.

4. CONCLUSIONS
Climate change in Central Asia has a negative impact not only on the natural environment, but also on socio-
economic conditions. These changes impede food security, poverty reduction and sustainable development
efforts. The Aral Sea disaster and rising air temperatures remain a serious problem for the countries of Central
Asia.
The Government of Uzbekistan has put forward a number of initiatives to combat climate change and its
negative consequences. In the framework of international cooperation, proposals to develop a Regional Strategy
for Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia and create a “Central Asian Climate Dialogue” are of great
importance. Uzbekistan’s active participation in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), the call for an
early agreement on the Global Adaptation Mechanism under the Paris Agreement and proposals for the
transition to a low-carbon economy demonstrate the country’s firm position in this direction.
Domestic reforms include the implementation of a strategy for the transition to a “green” economy,
improvement of environmental legislation and activities envisaged by the “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy. The
introduction of the national Green Space project and new waste recycling systems demonstrate the country's
commitment to achieving environmental sustainability.
It is worth noting that Uzbekistan is actively involved in the fight against climate change and its
consequences. Environmental initiatives and government reforms are aimed at creating a healthy and sustainable

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environment for the peoples of the region. In addition, initiatives within the framework of international
cooperation contribute to the environmental sustainability of the region.

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[7]. IUCN. (2020). Global Species Assessment. International Union for Conservation of Nature.
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