Air Pollution in Central Asia Causes Over 65,000 Early Deaths Annually, World Bank Warns

Air Pollution in Central Asia Causes Over 65,000 Early Deaths Annually, World Bank Warns
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Air pollution continues to pose a major environmental and public health threat in Central Asia, contributing to more than 65,000 premature deaths in 2021, according to a new World Bank report. The assessment highlights the severe human and economic impacts of deteriorating air quality across the region.

The report identifies fossil fuel combustion—particularly for heating and transportation—as a primary source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in both urban and rural areas. In many cities, PM2.5 concentrations regularly exceed World Health Organization (WHO) safety guidelines by six to twelve times during winter months. Transboundary sand and dust storms further worsen air quality, affecting multiple countries simultaneously.

Economic consequences are also significant. In 2022, health-related costs of air pollution were estimated between $15 and $21 billion, amounting to 3–5% of Central Asia’s total GDP. Experts attribute 50–80% of PM2.5 exposure to human activities, mainly the burning of solid fuels for heating in households and small businesses.

To address the crisis, the World Bank recommends adopting an “airshed approach” that encourages shared responsibility between local and national authorities. Proposed measures include curbing emissions from households, vehicles, and industries, expanding green spaces in urban areas, and investing in cleaner technologies. The report also calls for stronger air quality legislation, improved monitoring, public education campaigns, and enhanced regional cooperation.

A separate UNICEF report emphasizes the vulnerability of children to air pollution, citing 6,441 child and adolescent deaths in Europe and Central Asia in 2021—85% of whom were under the age of one. UNICEF noted that these deaths were entirely preventable. Experts argue that improving air quality in Central Asia could deliver wide-ranging benefits, including increased productivity, lower healthcare costs, and improved quality of life.

Integrating air pollution control into broader climate and development strategies, the World Bank suggests, could unlock financial and technical support from international partners. The findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated action to tackle air pollution and protect public health across Central Asia.