Uzbekistan Slashes Emissions by 25%, Boosts Forest Cover Amid Fossil Fuel Reliance

Uzbekistan has made substantial strides in environmental protection, achieving a 25% reduction in harmful atmospheric emissions between 2018 and 2024, as reported by UN News citing experts from the European Economic Commission (UNECE).

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In the period from 2018 to 2024, emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere decreased by 25 percent in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

This environmental progress is complemented by a notable increase in forest cover, which now extends to 8.7% of the nation's territory. Uzbekistan has significantly expanded its afforestation and ecosystem restoration initiatives, particularly in the Aral Sea region. In 2021 alone, over 600,000 hectares of forest were planted, primarily in desert areas.

The country has also embraced a "Green Economy Transition Strategy" through 2030 and has launched green bonds. Renewable energy sources now constitute 15-18% of electricity generation. The Ministry of Ecology was transformed in 2025 into an independent National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change under the President, signaling a reform in environmental governance. Uzbekistan has successfully implemented or is in the process of implementing 77% of previous UNECE recommendations.

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Uzbekistan has significantly expanded the scale of work on afforestation and ecosystem restoration, especially in the Aral Sea region.

However, challenges persist. Experts highlight Uzbekistan's continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with natural gas supplying 80% of primary energy in 2023, followed by oil (10%) and coal (8%). Waste management remains an issue, with only 5.2% of municipal solid waste being recycled in 2024. Water scarcity and inefficient irrigation systems are also critical concerns, with 48% of monitored water bodies classified as moderately polluted and 4% as heavily polluted. Agricultural activities contribute significantly to pollution in the Syrdarya River basin.

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Experts note that Uzbekistan still relies heavily on fossil fuels.

Economic losses due to climate change are projected to reach 1% of GDP by 2030. Uzbekistan ranks 19th out of 138 countries for airborne PM2.5 concentration. Most of its over 200 registered landfills do not meet ecological standards. To address these ongoing issues, the UNECE, with support from international experts, has proposed 45 further recommendations. These include adopting a comprehensive climate change law, a National Adaptation Plan, modernizing wastewater treatment, integrating nature-based solutions into infrastructure, and developing pollution charging mechanisms.

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Economic losses of Uzbekistan from climate change may reach 1 percent of GDP by 2030.