*[Enwl-eng] 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Slow Climate Adaptation in the Region
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Tue Mar 25 19:05:50 MSK 2025
Climate Activism and Green Transition in EECCA
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Climate Change and Energy News:
Weekly Digest by CAN EECCA
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Hello dear subscribers!
I'm Aidem Baketaeva, your new Media
Coordinator at CAN EECCA. Starting from this issue, I will be preparing
weekly digests for you, featuring the most important climate and energy
events from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
If you have ideas, news, or materials you’d
like to share, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out at
aidem at caneecca.org. I’m always happy to hear from you!
This issue includes regional news on new
environmental initiatives, crises, and adaptation measures, as well as
global events impacting the EECCA region in March 2025. We have also
included a section with opportunities for journalists, activists, and anyone
who wants to contribute to solving climate issues.
Thank you for reading,
Aidem Baketaeva, Media Coordinator, CAN
EECCA
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News from the EECCA Region
Time is Running Out: Why Countries Are
Delaying Their Climate Commitments?
We have checked the new NDC submissions, but
haven't found any from our countries. CAN EECCA expresses serious concern
about the low level of climate ambition in EECCA countries. To achieve
climate neutrality, civil society must increase pressure on authorities.
Special attention is given to Central Asian countries, which show extremely
low adaptation levels despite significant risks to water resources and the
agricultural sector.
Uzbekistan joins the Aarhus Convention on
public participation in environmental decision-making
On March 14, 2025, Uzbekistan joined the
Aarhus Convention, strengthening its obligations to provide environmental
information and ensure public participation in environmental
decision-making. The authorities have announced plans to implement
monitoring mechanisms and public discussions of environmental projects.
Establishment of the “Digital Ecology”
Information System (Azərbaycan dilində)
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed
a decree on the creation of the “Digital Ecology” information system, which
will be managed by the “Geodesy and Cartography Agency”. The goal of the
system is to use digital technologies for monitoring and managing
environmental data, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and communication
between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, other government
agencies, and the public.
Ukraine Against Nuclear Energy: 80% of
Population Consider it Unsafe
An Info Sapiens survey commissioned by
Ecoaction revealed that 68% of Ukrainians consider building new power units
at the Khmelnytskyi NPP unsafe due to war-related risks. Concerns about
radioactive waste worry 80% of respondents, and 76% believe living near a
nuclear plant is dangerous even in peacetime. Only 46% are confident that
Ukraine can effectively manage nuclear waste storage and disposal.
Oil Spill in the Black Sea Reaches Resort
Area
An oil spill in the Black Sea has
contaminated coastal areas, including popular tourist zones.
Environmentalists warn of serious risks to biodiversity and the economy of
tourism-dependent regions. Local authorities are trying to minimize the
damage, but water purification problems remain unresolved.
Ecologists Demand State of Emergency Due to
Caspian Sea Drying Up
The Caspian Sea is rapidly shrinking, and
Kazakh scientists are calling for an immediate declaration of a state of
emergency. The crisis results from climate change, high temperatures, and
human activity. Environmentalists warn that further shrinking of the sea
could lead to catastrophic consequences for local ecosystems and coastal
communities. Urgent measures are needed to prevent an ecological disaster.
Kara-Keche: Is the Price of Coal Too High?
The development of the largest coal mine in
Kara-Keche, Kyrgyzstan, is causing serious environmental and social
disputes. Local residents complain about air pollution and land destruction.
Environmentalists warn that continuing coal extraction without proper
control will lead to irreversible environmental damage.
Greening for Billions: Where Did the Money
Go?
A Kazakhstani MP reported large-scale
embezzlement of public funds allocated for tree planting projects across the
country. According to him, the projects turned out to be fraudulent, with
huge sums wasted. Environmentalists and activists demand a thorough
investigation and revision of approaches to environmental initiatives to
prevent similar incidents in the future.
Kyrgyzstan Prepares for Climate Change
The government of Kyrgyzstan is working on
plans to adapt to climate change. The focus areas include improving water
supply systems and preventing natural disasters. However, critics note slow
progress and a lack of coordination between government agencies, which
hinders the implementation of effective measures.
Kazakhstan Expands Hydrocarbon Production,
Ignoring Environmental Risks
Kazakhstan announced plans to boost
hydrocarbon production and increase investments in geological exploration to
enhance export potential and ensure energy security. CAN EECCA opposes
increased oil and gas extraction, as it poses a threat to environmental
safety and exacerbates the climate crisis.
Air Quality in Kyrgyzstan: A Long-Term
Challenge
The Minister of Ecology of Kyrgyzstan
emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue to improve air quality. The
discussion involved CAN EECCA members, including MoveGreen. Meerim
Shamudinova presented on “Air Quality Monitoring in the Kyrgyz Republic:
>From Data to Solutions,” stressing the need for reliable data to develop
effective environmental solutions.
Large-Scale Canal Cleanup in Moldova
In March 2025, Moldova launched a project to
clean the canals of the Prut River delta to save Lake Beleu. The project
aims to restore aquatic ecosystems and prevent further degradation. The work
includes cleaning canal beds, modernizing drainage systems, and improving
the region’s water balance. Environmentalists believe the project will
positively affect biodiversity and water quality in the lake.
Georgia’s Climate Action Plan
The Georgian government approved a climate
action plan for 2024-2025 with a budget of almost 3.7 billion lari ($1.37
billion). The plan focuses on mitigating the impact of climate change on
agriculture, water supply, and energy. Special attention is paid to
infrastructure improvement and environmental monitoring.
Armenia Expands Ecosystem Restoration
Program
In March 2025, Armenia’s Cabinet of
Ministers increased the funding for a grant program aimed at restoring
forests and wetlands. The updated measures focus on reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, improving biodiversity, and enhancing environmental monitoring
systems.
Almaty Struggles to Address Smog Problem
Without Clear Plan
Almaty’s Mayor Yerbolat Dosaev promised to
reduce air pollution, but a clear action plan has not yet been presented.
The main sources of smog are vehicle emissions and coal-fired boilers.
Authorities talk about the need to switch to cleaner fuels and modernize
public transport, but the implementation of these measures remains
uncertain. Meanwhile, residents continue to suffer from high levels of air
pollution.
Central Asian E-Waste Forum Held in Dushanbe
On March 4-5, 2025, the Central Asian Forum
“From Awareness to Action” took place in Dushanbe, focusing on e-waste
management issues. Experts and NGO representatives discussed practical
approaches to collecting, recycling, and disposing of electronic waste,
including establishing centralized collection systems and developing
environmental legislation. Participants emphasized the importance of
international cooperation to address the e-waste problem across Central
Asia.
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World Climate and Energy News
COP30 and the Threat to the Amazon
Construction of a four-lane highway through
the Amazon continues as part of preparations for COP30. The project destroys
ecosystems and threatens local communities. Scientists warn that the road
could cause irreversible damage to biodiversity.
Melting Glaciers: A Threat to 2 Billion
Lives
According to a UN report, rapidly melting
glaciers threaten the food and water security of 2 billion people worldwide.
The crisis primarily affects mountain communities and countries dependent on
glacial water for irrigation and drinking.
Wildfires in Japan: Thousands Evacuated
Massive wildfires continue to spread across
Nagano Prefecture, Japan. High winds and dry weather complicate firefighting
efforts. Authorities have evacuated thousands of people, deploying
firefighting planes and ground units.
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Opportunities
MoveGreen Grants for Journalists: Creating
high-quality materials on climate issues for the EECCA region. Deadline —
April 9.
COP29 Model Game in Almaty (April 26):
Participate in international climate negotiations and earn a certificate.
International Conference on Climate Actions
(April 4): Join an online discussion about just transition and phasing out
fossil fuels.
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Would you like to reach out to us?
We welcome your feedback at
can.eecca at gmail.com
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Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 4:30 PM
Subject: 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Slow Climate Adaptation in the
Region
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