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ABSTRACT
Climate change-induced disasters in North and Central Asia pose an escalating threat, mirroring the broader trend across the Asia and the Pacific. Over the past five decades, these events have caused around 64,000 fatalities, affected around 20 million people and resulted in more than $23 billion in damages.
The frequency and intensity of disasters in North and Central Asia have intensified in the recent years, reflecting the impact of climate change. Floods, droughts, and heatwaves have caused widespread damage, leading to loss of life, displacement of communities, and economic disruption. These events have exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and hindering capacity to cope.
The riskscape in North and Central Asia is evolving rapidly, with emerging hotspots and intensifying hazards. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of floods, droughts, and heatwaves particularly in the Aral Sea Basin and in the areas of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Particularly under 2°C warming, these risks extend to northern Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This will further strain the subregion's resilience and require enhanced disaster preparedness measures.
Climate change also poses a significant threat to North and Central Asia's biodiversity. The subregion's biodiversity hotspots, which play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and supporting ecosystems, are facing increasing pressure from climate-induced hazards. Species loss, habitat destruction, and ecosystem disruption are becoming more prevalent, with potential long-term consequences for both human and natural systems.
CONTACT
ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division
+66 2 288 1632
escap-idd@un.org