Tajikistan’s glaciers are melting rapidly due to climate change, compromising the country’s water and electricity supply, which primarily derives from hydropower. The World Bank’s CCDR emphasizes the urgent need for a green economic transition to combat these effects and improve financial sustainability. The risks of inaction could significantly undermine economic stability, with recommendations for reforms and investments totaling $17 billion to achieve a more resilient future.
Tajikistan is facing significant challenges due to climate change, particularly with the alarming rate of glacier melt that threatens its water supply and agricultural resources. As of the past three decades, the country has lost over 1,000 glaciers, posing a severe risk to the hydropower-dependent sectors of its economy. Daler Juma, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources, stated at the COP29 conference, “The rapid melting of glaciers due to climate change is a serious threat in the global context of protecting water resources,” underscoring the urgency for climate action as well as economic recovery. The country’s reliance on hydropower, which constitutes about 98 percent of its electricity production, highlights the critical nature of this issue. The World Bank’s recent Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) emphasizes the necessity of a green transition to not only combat climate change but also to stimulate economic growth and job creation. To effectively address these challenges, experts call for significant reforms to improve production efficiency and yield innovative technologies. According to the CCDR, the economic risks from climate inaction are substantial; potential reductions in real GDP could be as much as five to six percent by 2050 due to climate-related damage. In particular, the Vakhsh River Basin, which is crucial for electricity generation, exemplifies this vulnerability. The costs associated with land degradation alone are projected to reach approximately $325 million annually, while air quality issues contribute to significant public health challenges in the region. Moreover, structural reforms aimed at bolstering private investment, improving public service delivery, and enhancing governance are essential for establishing a resilient economy. A green transition promises benefits such as reduced healthcare costs, projected to exceed $3.5 billion by 2050, alongside the creation of new jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. However, achieving these goals necessitates an estimated $17 billion investment towards climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives, in addition to ongoing government reform commitments. Significant participation from the private sector will be vital, particularly in energy, industry, and agriculture. To realize this potential, Tajikistan must improve its business regulatory environment, enhance competition, and embrace a more open economic policy. Overall, the path forward requires substantial investment, courageous reforms, and a pragmatic approach to climate action that safeguards the future of Tajikistan’s economy and its people.
Tajikistan, a mountainous Central Asian country, is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, which exacerbates its susceptibility to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and droughts. The nation relies heavily on glaciers for its water and hydropower resources. The loss of glacial ice is not only a concern for electricity generation and irrigation but also poses broader threats to the economy and public health. The recently published CCDR from the World Bank outlines the urgent need for reform and investment to ensure the country’s sustainable and resilient development in the face of these environmental challenges.
In conclusion, Tajikistan’s urgent need for climate action serves as a call for comprehensive reforms to address economic vulnerabilities while promoting a green transition. The potential economic consequences of inaction underscore the necessity for investment in climate-resilient strategies and infrastructure. By mobilizing private finance and enhancing governance practices, Tajikistan can cultivate an economy that not only withstands the adverse effects of climate change but ultimately thrives despite them.
Original Source: emerging-europe.com
