BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Global forecasts indicate that without adaptive measures, Kazakhstan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) may decrease by 1.3 percent by 2060 due to the damage caused by floods, said Yerlan Nyssanbayev, the country’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, TurkicWorld reports.
Speaking at a panel discussion on "Climate change and regional cooperation to prevent glacier melting in Central and Western Asia," Nyssanbayev highlighted the urgent risks posed by climate change.
"Kazakhstan, with its unique nature and abundant resources, is today facing serious threats that put our ecosystem, water resources, and economy at risk," he said.
The minister emphasized that Kazakhstan, like other Central Asian countries, is experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand. The country has witnessed a significant increase in both floods and droughts, as well as accelerated glacier melting, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the region's water supply.
"Additionally, up to 75 percent of our agricultural land is at risk of drought, posing a threat to food security for millions of people," he added.
Nyssanbayev also stated that Kazakhstan fully supports the regional program "From Glaciers to Farms," initiated with the backing of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The program focuses on integrated water resource management, the adoption of sustainable irrigation methods, and the use of modern agricultural technologies in Kazakhstan.
