Climate Diplomacy in Central Asia: Context, Challenges, and Opportunities

Central Asia is a region that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which adversely affects the lives of its inhabitants. Since 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has expressed concerns about the need to promote regional cooperation and enhance climate resilience to address current challenges and adapt to future climate risks. The governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are developing national legislation and strategies focused on climate issues. They engage in both regional and international cooperation through summits, ministerial meetings, and participation in projects funded by third parties. This article provides a content analysis of these efforts. Using SWOT analysis, the research findings highlight the current state of regional climate diplomacy, the measures being taken, and the challenges posed by the region’s reliance on fossil fuels. It also points out the lack of sufficient research within the regional academic community. However, there are opportunities for improvement, as well as potential negative consequences if necessary measures are not implemented promptly. The ability of the region’s states to turn their plans into actionable steps, in consultation with the expert community, is essential for creating a more prosperous and secure future. Consequently, the article emphasizes the need for a more coordinated approach among the Central Asian Republics and further development of regional climate diplomacy.