Kazakhstan - Climate Change Institutional Assessment

Overview & Synopsis

Kazakhstan is a major emitter of greenhouse gases and also highly vulnerable to climate change. This highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts in climate mitigation and adaptation. In 2022, Kazakhstan’s emissions reached 353.0 million tons of CO2 equivalent, with per capita emissions comparable to those of the United States. The energy sector, driven by fossil fuel use, accounts for nearly four-fifths of emissions, reflecting the country’s high energy intensity and posing major challenges for decarbonization. While Kazakhstan engages in global climate initiatives and benefits from economic integration into international markets, the prominent role of the traditional energy sector presents difficulties in aligning policy ambitions with implementation. Meanwhile, the country is warming faster than the global average and faces rising risks from floods, mudslides, and climate-related threats to agriculture and vulnerable communities. Without effective action, the changing climate may exacerbate social and economic inequalities and threaten Kazakhstan’s sustainable development.