Kyrgyzstan faces rising climate costs, potential $1 billion impact

Climate change threatens Kyrgyzstan with worsening water and energy crises, as officials warn of mounting economic losses.

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — Kyrgyzstan suffers an estimated $30 million to $50 million in annual climate-related damage, a figure that could rise to $1 billion if current trends persist, Marat Imankulov, secretary of Kyrgyzstan’s Security Council, said.

Speaking at a roundtable on “Water Diplomacy in Central Asia in the Context of the Water and Energy Crisis,” Imankulov highlighted the worsening impact of climate change on water and energy security. The discussion was reported by Kabar, the Kyrgyz National News Agency.

“A small amount of snowfall in winter significantly affects water reserves and glaciers, while severe frosts add pressure on the energy sector and deplete water supplies,” he said, emphasizing the broader regional consequences.

Citing scientific projections, Imankulov warned that agricultural water demand could rise by 30% by 2030. The inefficiency and scarcity of water resources already cost Central Asian countries up to $2 billion annually, he added.

“Abnormally hot weather in recent years has led to droughts and crop failures, further straining the region’s economies,” Imankulov said.

He also stressed that existing water management policies no longer meet current challenges.

Kyrgyzstan, an upstream country, has not received sufficient compensation for storing and preserving water resources, a concern raised by President Sadyr Japarov in 2022, Imankulov noted.

He called for new regional agreements to ensure upstream countries have both the incentive and ability to regulate water reserves for long-term agricultural needs.