New Report on Assessing Air Quality in Termez, Uzbekistan
This landmark report “Air Quality in Termez, Uzbekistan: Assessment of Key Emission Sources and Recommendations for Enhancing Air Quality Monitoring and Management” presents the first comprehensive, city-level air quality assessment for Termez, a strategically important city in southern Uzbekistan exposed to both intense human activity and natural dust dynamics. Drawing on ground-based monitoring, satellite observations, meteorological analysis and a local emissions inventory, the study provides a robust scientific foundation for understanding air pollution patterns and their implications for public health and development.
The findings reveal that particulate matter pollution (PM₁₀ and PM2.5) in Termez exceeds national and international health-based limits throughout the year, driven by a combination of frequent sand and dust storms, wintertime household heating, transport, agriculture and other local combustion sources. While natural factors play a major role, the report clearly shows that targeted action on anthropogenic emissions can significantly reduce exposure and health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly.
Beyond diagnosis, the report is strongly action-oriented. It offers clear, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen air quality monitoring, improve data quality and transparency, enhance early warning and response to sand and dust storms, and implement sector-specific emission reduction measures.
The study was commissioned by UNEP at the request of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan through technical support of the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Download the full report (available in English, Russian and Uzbek): https://wedocs.unep.org/items/e93a9612-47c0-4d58-bb35-4a371d536e37
Download executive summary (available in English, Russian and Uzbek): https://wedocs.unep.org/items/d836b642-8b04-4aa3-aa2c-59d92cf8713f
