Uzbekistan's initiatives to combat climate change and environmental stability

Uzbekistan's initiatives to combat climate change and environmental stability

Today, the most important problem on a global scale, of course, has become the environmental problem. Almost all countries are facing the negative effects of climate change, water scarcity and air pollution. Unfortunately, environmental problems threaten people's lives and health. So, according to the WHO, annually from 4.2 to 7 million people die from air pollution worldwide. Globally, 2.7 billion people experience water scarcity for at least one month of the year. Therefore, more than ever today, countries are not only striving, but also forced to implement practical measures to ensure environmental safety. Realizing that they cannot cope with such global problems alone, countries are taking steps towards international cooperation.

The Republic of Uzbekistan is actively promoting the idea of the need to increase the effectiveness of cooperation between States on the international agenda. A striking example is the speech of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.Mirziyoyev at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The Head of State separately addressed the issue of climate change. Indeed, climate change has become a negative consequence of anthropogenic impact. According to open sources, 2024 was recognized as the hottest year in human history. As a result, the concentration of greenhouse gases has become high, which traps solar heat and leads to global warming. In this regard, countries need to coordinate efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions (Uzbekistan adopted a separate law on this issue in July this year). In particular, Uzbekistan's initiative is aimed at implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement, which provides for a commitment to gradually reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions. Speaking about climate change, an increase in climate migration was noted. In this regard, it was proposed to create a specific international mechanism and legal framework. In our opinion, this issue should be resolved at the level of an international act, which should be adopted under the auspices of the United Nations. Since this issue is related not only to the environment, but also to socio-economic problems, because the flows of "climate migrants" can cause other problems related to employment, social security and adaptation. Countries should address the root causes of climate migration: take effective measures to mitigate environmental impacts, create favorable living conditions, etc. These mechanisms should be regulated within the framework of the mentioned international act.

 Traditionally, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan touched upon the negative effects of the drying up of the Aral Sea. The Head of State has repeatedly raised this issue from the rostrums of the United Nations (at the 72nd, 75th, 76th, 78th sessions of the UN General Assembly, the problems of the Aral Sea and the environmental situation in connection with the drying up of the Aral Sea were raised). Thanks to the efforts of Uzbekistan, the UN General Assembly resolution "On declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental innovation and technology" was adopted. An Action Plan and a program of measures for sustainable socio-economic development, employment and improving the standard of living of the population are being implemented. Uzbekistan is actively working to restore the ecosystem of the Aral Sea region. In recent years, plants with a total area of 2 million hectares have been planted at the bottom of this sea. In the first half of this year alone, 701 hectares of forest plantations and 41 hectares of terraces were created. It is expected that by 2030, up to 80% of the entire territory will be covered with greenery. In general, the attention of the international community is important. Because the drying up of the Aral Sea caused about 150 million tons of salt to rise into the air every year. According to experts, the harm from this is felt not only in the region, but also in Antarctica. One of the important problems noted by the President is the shortage of water resources. Currently, more than two billion people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water. For Uzbekistan, solving the problem of water scarcity is becoming a matter of life and death. In this regard, it was proposed to hold a World Water Conservation Forum in Uzbekistan. Within the framework of the forum, the water crisis is proposed to be identified as a serious threat to sustainable development. Therefore, it is proposed to adopt a separate roadmap for the introduction of innovative technologies at the global level. This initiative is important because it is a joint solution to the problem of water scarcity, especially in the case of transboundary water use, that is relevant. A unified approach within the framework of international cooperation will help mitigate the effects of water scarcity in the future.

The systemic proposal of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan is the adoption of a Global Pact on Broad International Partnership. This pact is the logical realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Pact allows solving environmental problems on the basis of agreements, knowledge and experience exchange, defining financing and control mechanisms. In addition, the pact will consolidate the approach that the environment is a "global public good." In general, international acts have a positive characteristic and influence in practice. For example, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has shown that a coordinated global response can lead to the restoration of the natural process. Studies have shown that due to a decrease in the concentration of harmful emissions, global radiation exposure decreased five years earlier than forecast.

The above proposals are important from the point of view of international cooperation between countries to ensure environmental safety and well-being. It is also important for our country. After all, 2025 has been declared the "Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy" in Uzbekistan and a corresponding state program has been adopted. The implementation of the goals of this program in conjunction with international initiatives will ensure stability and a favorable environment.

Abdulaziz Rasulev,

Academic Secretary of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Doctor of Law, Professor