Urgent Measures to Combat Tashkent’s PM2.5 Pollution for Improved Public Health and Air Quality

Tashkent's severe PM2.5 pollution, primarily from heating and transport, causes significant health impacts and necessitates urgent, multi-faceted air quality management strategies. The roadmap outlines measures for cleaner heating, reduced transport emissions, and improved air quality monitoring to protect public health.

The World Bank's June 2024 report on "Air Quality Assessment for Tashkent and the Roadmap for Air Quality Management Improvement in Uzbekistan" offers a comprehensive analysis of the air pollution situation in Tashkent, with a specific focus on particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). The study identifies PM2.5 as a critical health concern, necessitating immediate action to mitigate its impacts. PM2.5 is recognized globally for its severe health implications, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In Tashkent, the annual average PM2.5 concentration significantly exceeds international air quality standards, particularly during the winter months when it is more than six times the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m3.

Major Sources of PM2.5 Pollution

The primary sources contributing to these elevated PM2.5 levels are residential and commercial heating, which accounts for nearly 45% of PM2.5 concentrations during the winter, and transport, which is the second most significant contributor. The health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Tashkent are substantial and alarming. The report estimates that around 3,000 premature deaths annually can be attributed to PM2.5 pollution, resulting in a welfare loss of approximately 488.4 million dollars per year. This high mortality rate is primarily due to stroke, ischemic heart disease, and lower respiratory infections. These figures highlight the urgent need for effective air quality management (AQM) strategies to address this public health crisis.

Assessing and Mapping Pollution

The technical assessment underpinning the report employs a scientific approach, utilizing local emissions inventories and pollution modeling to map the spatial and temporal distribution of PM2.5 emissions and concentrations in Tashkent. This methodology allows for a detailed understanding of pollution sources and their contributions, which is crucial for forming effective AQM policies. The roadmap for air quality management improvement in Uzbekistan, as outlined in the report, suggests a multi-faceted approach. This includes updating national air quality standards to incorporate PM2.5, developing a comprehensive AQM strategy, and implementing emission control measures across key sectors such as industry, transport, and heating. Additionally, the roadmap emphasizes the need for enhancing air quality monitoring infrastructure, improving data management systems, and fostering stakeholder engagement to ensure a coordinated and effective response to air pollution challenges.

Tackling Windblown Dust

A significant challenge identified in the report is the contribution of windblown dust to PM2.5 levels, particularly during the summer months. This dust originates from natural dust storms and various commercial activities in areas surrounding Tashkent. Addressing this issue requires additional analyses and the implementation of pilot greening interventions to reduce the transport of dust into urban areas. The report suggests that such measures could significantly mitigate PM2.5 concentrations and improve overall air quality.

Cleaner Heating Solutions

The heating sector is identified as the largest PM2.5 emission source, particularly during the winter months. Therefore, the roadmap highlights the need for regulatory changes and financial assistance to support cleaner heating options and energy efficiency measures. This is especially important for vulnerable households that rely on solid fuels for heating. Improving the quality of fuels, enhancing the efficiency of heating appliances, and promoting the adoption of cleaner heating alternatives are essential steps towards reducing PM2.5 emissions from this sector.

Reducing Transport Emissions

The transport sector also plays a significant role in PM2.5 pollution in Tashkent. Measures to reduce transport emissions include setting stringent standards for vehicles and fuels, regulating vehicle imports, enhancing public transport systems, and promoting non-motorized means of urban mobility. Implementing low-emission zones (LEZs) in the city is suggested as a common measure to reduce urban air pollution, but it requires careful planning and adequate alternatives for public and non-motorized transport to ensure its effectiveness and public acceptance. The roadmap for AQM improvement underscores the importance of a balanced approach, combining policy reforms and investments in emission reduction measures across various sectors. The report estimates that around 690 million euros in upfront investments are required to bring Tashkent's PM2.5 levels below the WHO's interim target of 35 µg/m3. Potential funding sources include private capital, public-private partnerships, concessional loans, and innovative financing mechanisms such as green credits and green bonds.

Call to Action for a Healthier Future

The World Bank's report calls for immediate actions to reduce the population's exposure to harmful air pollution and improve public health outcomes in Tashkent. Implementing the suggested short-term priority actions and developing a long-term vision for AQM are crucial steps towards achieving better air quality and sustainable development in Uzbekistan. By addressing the key sources of PM2.5 pollution and enhancing the overall AQM system, Uzbekistan can pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for its citizens.