ASTANA – Adopting green technologies, developing sustainable agriculture and using alternative energy sources will help Kazakhstan not only adapt to climate challenges, but also become a regional leader in development sustainable, according to a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

The adoption of green technologies, the development of sustainable agriculture and the use of alternative energy sources will help Kazakhstan not only adapt to climate challenges, but also become a regional leader in sustainable development, according to a report from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). . Photo credit: gov.kz

The report, “Temperature Effects and Economic Growth: An Empirical Analysis of Global Warming,” examines the impact of temperature changes on the global economy and highlights the long-term consequences for various countries.

“Temperature fluctuations can cause prolonged economic consequences, particularly in countries with hot climates. In these regions, a one degree Celsius increase in average temperature could reduce GDP by 1% or more,” the report said.

The main causes of this situation are rising production costs, falling labor productivity and changes in agricultural conditions. However, in colder countries, some temperature changes could boost economic growth by improving production conditions and reducing energy costs during winter months.

For Kazakhstan, with its mix of temperate and semi-desert zones, temperature changes could have diverse and significant impacts on agriculture, mining and infrastructure. The country faces challenges such as droughts and water shortages, and further warming could exacerbate these problems, threatening both the economy and food security.

Economic impact of global warming on Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, with its varied climate, is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly intense due to climate change.

The most threatened sectors, according to the NBER report, include agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure and water resources.

Rising temperatures could reduce precipitation in the center and south of the country, which would reduce agricultural productivity. Rising irrigation and equipment costs could also harm the sector’s profitability. Given the importance of agriculture to Kazakhstan, these changes require the adoption of new technologies to maintain agricultural yields and protect against drought.

In the mining and energy sectors, higher temperatures may require additional cooling measures for equipment, increasing operational costs. High temperatures also pose risks to workers and infrastructure, leading to higher energy costs, particularly in southern and central Kazakhstan, where summer heat is a pressing problem.

The report also highlights that climate change could worsen water access problems. Rivers and lakes that supply the country could become less reliable due to droughts and reduced snowmelt, threatening hydropower plants and water systems, which could impact cost and availability water.

The NBER report notes that the effects of thermal shock could last for decades. In countries with high temperatures like Kazakhstan, the impact of climate change can result in reduced labor productivity, population migration and increased infrastructure maintenance costs. To mitigate these long-term effects, Kazakhstan will need to adapt its key sectors by strengthening economic resilience and diversifying sectors most vulnerable to climate risks.

Recommendations for Kazakhstan

The report also highlights that the country’s economy, heavily dependent on natural resources, is particularly exposed to climatic fluctuations. Increasing investments in green energy and innovative technologies will help reduce the effects of thermal shocks and support the development of new sectors that are less climate-sensitive.

Key measures identified in the report include the adoption of new technologies, strategic infrastructure planning and active government participation in combating the impacts of climate change. Kazakhstan could learn from the example of countries like the Netherlands and Israel, which have made significant progress in water resources management and sustainable agriculture.

Potential actions for Kazakhstan include the introduction of sustainable agricultural technologies. Precision agriculture and advanced irrigation can help conserve water and increase productivity. Farmer training programs and grants for innovative technologies will further support the agricultural sector’s adaptation to climate challenges.

The development of renewable energies is also crucial. Investments in solar and wind energy can reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and reduce the country’s carbon footprint. Kazakhstan has significant potential for green energy development, and government-backed renewable energy programs could serve as a foundation for sustainable growth.

Improving water efficiency is another priority. The construction of new water treatment facilities and the employment of modern resource management methods will reduce water losses and optimize its distribution in arid regions. These efforts will help ensure long-term access to water for agriculture and industry.

The economic impact of global warming on Kazakhstan highlights the need for a proactive and comprehensive strategy focused on adaptation and resilience.

Recently, the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kathy Leach, highlighted the role of climate initiatives in strengthening UK-Kazakhstan relations and expressed the UK’s continued support in tackling the consequences of climate change.

The article was originally published on the economy.kz website.