Air Pollution in Kazakhstan as seen from Space

Fundamental analysis, focus on the Karaganda Region, and notes on Kazakhstan’s broader impact on climate change.

Maintaining good air quality is essential for public health, societal prosperity, and the integrity of natural ecosystems. Reducing pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions is key to curbing the rapid progression of climate change. Kazakhstan, ranked as the 21st top global greenhouse gas emitter in 2019, faces the complex interplay of climate change and air pollution. Each year, air pollution is linked to over 10,000 premature deaths, with an economic toll of approximately $10.5 billion. The study brings new data based on the satellite images of the EU Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, and shows the most polluted areas of Kazakhstan, as well as large sources of air pollution.