LocationsEcology in the minds of people in Kazakhstan: navigating concern, awareness, and action
October 17, 2025
As climate threats intensify, Kazakhstan faces a critical challenge: how to foster environmentally responsible behaviour across society. The solution lies not only in technological innovation and adaptation strategies, but also in understanding how people perceive climate change because people, communities, and their well-being are at the heart of climate resilience.
A nationwide survey conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, with support from the Green Climate Fund, provides a comprehensive overview of public attitudes towards environmental issues, climate awareness, and readiness to act. The survey engaged over 3,500 respondents across the country.
Despite growing environmental risks, only 10.6 percent of respondents identified ecological issues as one of the country’s top challenges. In contrast, inflation and rising prices concerned 17.6 percent, while low wages and pensions worried 17.4 percent. These findings suggest that economic pressures often overshadow environmental concerns.
Notably, in the Karaganda region, 47.5 percent of respondents cited ecology as a priority issue four times higher than the national average.
Two-thirds of respondents expressed sustained interest in the country’s environmental situation, with local ecological issues seen as directly affecting the quality of life. The most pressing concerns include urban air pollution, the drying of the Aral Sea, and water quality — issues that generate the highest levels of anxiety, particularly in urban and arid regions.
Water remains the most sensitive issue. Strengthening ecological diplomacy and preserving water systems are key to rebuilding public trust.
However, the survey revealed a paradox: while people are highly sensitive to environmental threats, their understanding of climate change remains limited. Most respondents acknowledged the role of human activity in climate change, yet few could clearly explain climate processes or were familiar with international agreements and national climate strategies. Concepts such as greenhouse gases, carbon footprint, and territorial vulnerability were often poorly understood or unknown.
Only 18.7 percent of respondents reported being “very interested” in environmental issues. Discussions on ecology in everyday life were also limited: 36.3 percent rarely discussed environmental topics, and 25.5 percent did not discuss them at all.
New communication approaches are needed—storytelling, local influencers, and visual narratives can help bridge the gap.
Despite these challenges, the population shows strong potential for engagement. More than half of the respondents already take action, such as sorting waste, conserving resources, and adopting sustainable habits. However, confidence in the impact of these efforts is low: fewer than half believe that collective citizen action can influence environmental policy.
Moreover, 59 percent of respondents opposed increasing utility tariffs to support environmental initiatives. This reflects the perception that economic concerns outweigh environmental ones, highlighting the need for greater transparency and relevance in decision-making.
The findings underscore a key message: while society is not indifferent to environmental issues, it requires structured support through education, motivation, legal protection and economic incentives. Effective responses must go beyond raising awareness to actively involving people in the process of change.
In this context, integrated measures are essential. Priority actions include strengthening oversight of industrial emissions, waste management, and air quality; deploying purification technologies; expanding renewable energy; and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It is vital not only to tighten environmental regulations, but also to create enabling conditions for private sector engagement—especially in clean technologies and sustainable solutions.
Legal frameworks must also be strengthened through legislative reviews, removal of barriers to climate vulnerability assessments, and practical implementation of the Environmental Code. Education plays a central role. The survey highlights the need for standardized programmes in schools and universities, specialist training, public awareness campaigns, and the dissemination of climate knowledge. Equally important is the replication of successful practices from different regions, making them accessible and relevant to local communities.
Promoting sustainable lifestyles should become a core element of public policy through energy efficiency, infrastructure for clean transport, and recognition of everyday actions by citizens and businesses. This approach can drive innovation and support economic resilience. Ultimately, it can foster a culture of trust, where caring for the environment becomes a shared responsibility.
This study does more than document the current situation—it points the way forward. It reflects a public demand for transparency, clarity, and participation. Responding to this demand could mark a turning point in Kazakhstan’s journey toward sustainable development—with everyone playing a role.
The full report, including methodology, charts, and regional breakdowns, is available here.
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