Key information
- Natural gas production in Uzbekistan has declined over the past five years, leading to a shortage.
- Citizens are resorting to less sustainable solutions for heating and cooking due to dwindling gas supplies.
- The government aims to increase gas production by 2030, but encourages coal consumption, exacerbating environmental concerns.
Uzbekistan’s energy landscape is at a critical juncture. Although Uzbekistan has vast reserves of natural gas, production has steadily declined over the past five years, in stark contrast to the government’s earlier claims of a supply surplus. This reduction in supply has forced many citizens to resort to less sustainable solutions for heating and cooking, mainly coal, firewood and even animal manure.
The consequences are felt acutely during the winter months, when energy demand increases. Activists report widespread gas shortages in urban and rural areas, leading residents to burn whatever fuel they can find, leading to deforestation and air pollution problems. The government has responded by toughening sanctions against illegal logging, but the situation remains dire. Citizens express their frustration at the lack of viable alternatives proposed by the authorities.
The environmental assessment
Dependence on coal exacerbates environmental damage, significantly contributing to climate change and impacting public health. Videos circulating online show the choking smoke that blankets cities during winter, highlighting the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels.
Government strategy and challenges
Although Uzbekistan boasts large natural gas reserves, production problems, such as depletion and the complexity of drilling, have contributed to the decline. The government aims to gradually increase production to reach 2018 levels by 2030, but this timetable does not offer an immediate solution. In particular, the government has reportedly encouraged an increase in coal consumption, raising fears of worsening environmental problems.
-Efforts towards sustainable energy
Despite these challenges, Uzbekistan has made some efforts toward sustainable energy, including investing in green sources, subsidizing electric vehicles, and leading a nationwide tree planting campaign. However, the urgency of the current situation calls for more decisive and comprehensive action to resolve the country’s energy crisis and mitigate its impact on the environment.
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