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Public perception of environmental problems in Central Asia: results from the Life in Transition survey

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  • Khamidov, Imomjon
  • Egamberdiev, Bekhzod

Abstract

Environmental issues adversely impact air quality, biodiversity, and socio-economic conditions in Central Asia. This paper utilizes the Life in Transition dataset to analyse climate change awareness and willingness to mitigate among populations from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Our findings reveal that public perceptions of environmental problems vary, with the highest concerns about air pollution, waste, species loss, temperature fluctuations, natural disasters, and disease spread noted in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. Conversely, awareness and concern for environmental issues in Tajikistan are relatively low.

Suggested Citation

  • Khamidov, Imomjon & Egamberdiev, Bekhzod, 2025. "Public perception of environmental problems in Central Asia: results from the Life in Transition survey," EconStor Preprints 314939, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:esprep:314939
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    1. Artikova, Aziza & Egamberdiev, Bekhzod & Khamidov, Imomjon & Primov, Abdulla, 2025. "How Real Is Climate Change? Public Perception in Central Asia, Caucasus Region and Eastern Europe," EconStor Preprints 330338, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.

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    JEL classification:

    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies

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