Kazakhstan Reaffirms Commitment to Global Climate Goals at COP29

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed his country’s commitment to fight climate change. He also stressed the importance of international cooperation in this critical mission.

His statements came during the Climate Action Summit at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku.

In his opening remarks, President Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To achieve these goals, the president stressed the importance of international support, calling for a New Collective Quantified Goal for Climate Finance (NCQG) to prioritize regions most affected by climate change, including landlocked developing countries like Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan, a vast country with 200 million hectares of agricultural land, is heavily impacted by climate change, though Central Asia contributes just one percent of global emissions. Tokayev expressed concern over climate risks faced by the region and suggested leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, and digital tools to manage water and land resources more effectively.

One of the key areas where Kazakhstan could make a difference is sustainable agriculture. Tokayev sees Kazakhstan as a platform for "carbon farming" – an approach that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances soil quality. He extended an invitation to international partners interested in exploring Kazakhstan’s potential in this sector.

Kazakhstan plays a significant role in the global energy landscape, providing 43 percent of the world’s uranium. This year, the country made a decisive move toward nuclear energy with a public referendum approving the construction of a new nuclear power plant. Tokayev assured that the project will prioritize safety and efficiency, partnering with global technology leaders to ensure responsible development.

Kazakhstan also aims to transition from its heavy reliance on coal-based power generation, which currently provides over 70 percent of the nation’s electricity. The government has set a goal for renewable sources to supply half of its power by 2050, with a near-term target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 15 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

Water scarcity is another pressing issue for Kazakhstan, with climate change severely affecting water availability. Tokayev pointed out that 80% of natural disasters are water-related, and Kazakhstan experienced unprecedented floods this year. In response, the country is developing a comprehensive risk management system to prepare for future water crises. In December, Kazakhstan will co-host the "One Water Summit" with France to discuss global water management issues, with a special focus on saving the Caspian Sea.

Kazakhstan has also joined regional initiatives, supporting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s proposal to form a Caspian States Expert Group for water and environmental issues. In addition, Tokayev mentioned Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to protect the Aral Sea, a region suffering from severe environmental degradation.

Kazakhstan’s commitment to climate action is on full display at COP29, where it has set up a National Pavilion. The exhibit aims to spotlight the impact of climate change on Kazakhstan and its commitment to reducing emissions.

Despite being one of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers, Kazakhstan is taking bold steps to increase the role of renewable energy in its economy and mitigate its environmental impact.